Paperback, 517 pages
Italian language
Published Jan. 1, 1995 by Mondadori.
Il libro racconta l'origine della straordinaria epopea della Fondazione, il più celebre ciclo narrativo della fantascienza moderna. Nell'anno 12020 dell'Era galattica Hari Seldon , un oscuro matematico originario di Helicon, giunge sul pianeta Trantor per presentare le teorie sperimentali di una nuova scienza in grado di prevedere il futuro: la psicostoria. L'ipotesi avanzata dallo scienziato accende subito l'interesse dell'imperatore e dei potenti personaggi che gravitano intorno a lui. Ma tra lusinghe, raggiri ed intrighi di palazzo, Seldon si trova presto in pericolo...Inizierà così una lunga ed avventurosa fuga per le gigantesche cupole di Trantor alla ricerca di quella misteriosa chiave che gli consentirà di capire l'intero passato del genere umano e di aprire le porte al suo futuro.
This book took a different tack and essentially explains why and what led up to Hari Seldon's grand plan. It has an interesting double twist at the end (actually a triple twist if you read between the lines on the final two or three pages.
Well.
I doubt I can add to the plethora of reviews.
My question now is, ought I start reading the Robot stories and books in parallel with this rereading /reading of the Foundation books (there are more of them than there were when I first read them)?
Hari Seldon begins devoping his "psychohistory" theory in this prelude to the famous "Foundation" trilogy (which as grown to many more than 3 books).
Seldon ends up being pursued by a number of forces who would like to exploit his theory for their own benefit, taking our main character through a variety of societies. Asimov again works his magic with creating intriguing environments for his characters to play in.
Asimov had a number of logical twists at the end of the book; some that I saw coming, and some that I didn't. The main characters were a bit "invincible" for my tastes, but tension was maintained well.
I definitely look forward to continuing the series.
