The Evolution of Science Fiction discussion

Asimov's Foundation trilogy is acclaimed as one of the great cornerstones of science fiction. Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation. I always found it a little odd that Second Foundation is the third book in the trilogy. Anyhow, last year I reread it.

I'm left with this question: In the third book, Second Foundation, the people of the first Foundation consider the Second Foundation to be their nemesis. This is the whole basis for the story. Hari Seldon had created the Foundations, both the first Foundation and the Second Foundation, to be the watchmen of the Seldon Plan. With the rise of The Mule in the second book, Foundation and Empire, the Seldon Plan would have unraveled, had it not been for the Second Foundation. As far as we are led to believe, the Second Foundation is benevolent. Why does the first Foundation fear it so?

I wondered this all the way through the third book, expecting that sooner or later it would be made clear, but it never was. Did I overlook something? Why was the Second Foundation thought to be a malevolent force?

It seems our group is passing over Asimov, an influential and prolific writer of science fiction. His writing is perhaps not as sophisticated as some others, but simple and straightforward. His books are easy reads and usually have a good story - good basic enjoyable science fiction. His Foundation trilogy was written in the early fifties and later he added prequels and sequels. Foundation is on most lists of best science fiction. Asimov is also known for his robot stories.

I read a lot of Asimov years ago and am leisurely rereading him now. I'll finish The Currents of Space this weekend. I'm quite enjoying it.

So, sure, you should read Asimov's The Foundation Trilogy. Then you can answer my original question. :)

I say, yes, absolutely, Isaac Asimov is must-read for even a part-time science fiction fan. There are some great stories of his that are much better than Foundation. That was his first book and he returned to it late in life so it regained some traction, but it was not his best work, imo.

I collected the Doubleday "blue leather cover" Asimov set of 14 volumes a few years ago, a marvelous set with cover art, all in HC. But I don't read them.. In fact, I've been meaning to get back to Asimov again soon and re-read most of his library on Kindle.

I highly recommend these to get a better feel for his breadth as a writer.

1. The Gods Themselves
2. The End of Eternity
3. Nemesis
4. The Caves of Steel
5. Earth Is Room Enough

I've thought of getting a collection or two of Asimov's short stories. That was his forte. I've read many of them, years ago, but nothing recently.

This discussion reminded me that it's been too long! So I dug up my old Kindle copies of Asimov to start reading them again. :) First will be the Foundation series again, with a pause after each one to read his others.

Thanks Clare

I followed your links. I read The Last Question and The Immortal Bard. Enjoyed them both. I remember reading Nightfall years ago, but I think it was the novelized version. Looking forward to reading this short story.

Already read the Foundation trilogy. Concerning the Second Foundation, it should be pointed out that the first foundation is becoming obsolete, and is already corrupted by the Mule. Mule found found out the second foundation, and tried to take it down only to get out-smarted and was taken down himself. The people of the first foundation tried to find the second, and tried to demolish it only to realize they’re beyond their reach. Hair Seldon already figured out that the second foundation was needed to accomplish and complete whatever goal there was. I’m looking forward to reading rest of the series.

I've discovered the Robot novels and the Empire trilogy-they're all good!

My favorite Asimov novel is “The Gods Themselves”. It has all the elements of science fiction that I like - imagining another way to live, innovative technologies and a profound realization about ourselves and our connection to the rest of the universe.

Buck wrote: "Asimov's Foundation trilogy is acclaimed as one of the great cornerstones of science fiction. Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation. I always found it a little odd that Second Foundation is the third book in the trilogy. Anyhow, last year I reread it.

I'm left with this question: In the third book, Second Foundation, the people of the first Foundation consider the Second Foundation to be their nemesis. This is the whole basis for the story. Hari Seldon had created the Foundations, both the first Foundation and the Second Foundation, to be the watchmen of the Seldon Plan. With the rise of The Mule in the second book, Foundation and Empire, the Seldon Plan would have unraveled, had it not been for the Second Foundation. As far as we are led to believe, the Second Foundation is benevolent. Why does the first Foundation fear it so?

I wondered this all the way through the third book, expecting that sooner or later it would be made clear, but it never was. Did I overlook something? Why was the Second Foundation thought to be a malevolent force?"

The First Foundation feared the Second Foundation because the very existence of the Second Foundation showed that the First Foundation couldn't rely on the Seldon Plan to unfold and lead to the emergence of a new empire, as they (the First Foundation) understood it. Of course, the First Foundation then learned the hard way that they couldn't just sit back and wait for the Seldon Plan to unfold. I delve into this in more detail in this essay https://paullevinson.blogspot.com/201...