The Evolution of Science Fiction discussion

I've done some research and I really want to read some of the Foundation series, or at least the first one, just to experience Asimov's writing.

My research has concluded that 'Foundation' is the one to start with, and then go back and read Prelude and Forward after finishing the original trilogy.

What do people think?

Foundation is the first book of the original trilogy; Foundation and Empire is the second; Second Foundation is the third. The other books in the series were written later.

The Isaac Asimov Goodreads page has both the chronological sequence and the publication sequence of the seven books in this series. Prelude and Forward are prequels but they were written later. I read them so long ago that I just don't remember. I recently reread the original trilogy and did not feel that any history was missing.

I agree with Buck. You should start with Foundation and then read the others in the original trilogy. I have read the others as well but the trilogy are the best. Saying that, I'm not a great fan of prequels in general, I always have the impression that they are just an afterthought rather than something you must read.

I read the original trilogy first, since the sequels/prequels didn't exist at the time. I then read the others as they came out. I would probably still read them in order of publication if I were to re-read them someday.

Dawn wrote: "I read the original trilogy first, since the sequels/prequels didn't exist at the time. I then read the others as they came out. I would probably still read them in order of publication"

I agree completely - there's something about the original trilogy that is truly extraordinary.

Jo wrote: "I agree with Buck. You should start with Foundation and then read the others in the original trilogy. I have read the others as well but the trilogy are the best. Saying that, I'm not a great fan ..."

Since there were at least a couple of decades between the original trilogy and the prequels, they really were an afterthought. I don't think Asimov really intended there to be more books than the trilogy, but fan popularity and pushing by fans and I'm sure his publisher and agent led him to finally write more Foundation books.

I remember I read the original trilogy for the first time just after Electric Light Orchestra's album, Out of the Blue came out. It had that awesome spacship on the cover and seemed to be the perfect album to listen to while reading science fiction, so I listened to it as I read the three books. I've always wondered how much it affected the tone of the book because it certainly set the mood for me.

For what it's worth, I was instantly attracted to ELO and that album - and I had read the Foundation series more than a decade earlier.

When dealing with prequels I like to go in the order the author wrote the book. This shows the writing development of the author. To me prequels tend to be after thoughts. With this one follow the copy right dates, but also add in the robot series. (Caves of Steel, etc...) if memory severs the two series meet up.

Yes, and agreed about the order of publication (writing).

postcard I received from Isaac Asimov about the Foundation trilogy, in 1979, in response to an article I had published about the trilogy and sent to Asimov

That's wrong - Foundation's Edge is the 4th novel in the series.

My reading order was; the original trilogy, then robot series and remaining foundation books. After these books I red "the end of eternity " and I believe it should be the first book to read.

I read the original trilogy after getting the omnibus edition from the SciFi Book Club back in the 1970s. I have tons of Asimov in my collection.

I am reading in the order given on the Wikipedia page: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foundat.... I am now reading Foundation's Fear.

Last time I mostly followed this order, except Forward the Foundation and The Second Foundation Trilogy which didn't exist at that time.

Previously I don't remember which order I read The Foundation Trilogy, Empire Trilogy, and some of the robot books.

Thanks, Bill. Glad you mentioned this now since I'm now able to get the Foundation books in audio from my library & was thinking to try them again. I was wondering about all the titles. Back when I first heard about them, there were only 3 & I only got through the first 2. Never cared for them much.

Definitely publication order. It makes more sense that way, and the books that were published earlier tend to be better than the later ones.

If it has already been posted I apologize, but I agree that it should be read in order of publication. Even with everything being explained, it is necessary to read them as written to feel properly moved by the events of the novels.

1-Foundation
2-Foundation and Empire
3-Second Foundation
4-Foundation’s Edge
5-Foundation and Earth
6-Prelude to Foundation
7-Forward the Foundation

Foundation’s Edge will make it very clear that the order must be as published. Majority of the story is the lack of understanding, the lack of knowledge virtually IS the story.

FWIW, the Kindle edition of "Foundation" is currently on sale at Amazon for $3.00.

If you are committed to read the whole cycle I would start from:
1-Prelude to foundation
2-Forward the Foundation
3-Foundation
4-Foundation and Empire
5-Second Foundation
6-Foundation's Edge
7-Foundation and Earth.

On the other hand, if you are new to Asimov or to the Golden Age of s.f., start from the Trilogy.

This year I planned to catch up on some new sci-fi and some old classics that I either never read, or read so long ago I needed to re-read. Of course, Asimov is one of the greats so I am trying TRYING HARD to get through Foundation trilogy.

Back in the day, I loved Asimov's short stories, his novels, not so much and I could never get them in order anyway.

As an adult I thought now was the time. I have to admit that I am not enjoying them much at all. I got through Foundation I am limping my way through Foundation and Empire but I find them so dated and so.... fusty that I really do not much care for them. This universe had better be good, when I finally make it through to the interesting bits.

I would actually start with the Robot series. Then read The Galactic Empire Series. Then read the Foundation series. That’s the way I read them and it makes the final payoff more satisfying. I read Foundation in publication order

I read Foundation Prequel because I like the Apple TV series, but it was a bit of a hard slog. Starting on Foundation I now. Hope its better.

If you just want to “experience Asimov’s writing”, like the original poster back in 2013, it might be better to start with some of the short stories. “Nightfall” is a great one. People also like the original Robot stories collected in “I, Robot”.