(607 pages)
The three books: Foundation; Foundation and Empire; Second Foundation.
Famous, pioneering work of science fiction. Entirely unknown to me prior to this read.
By coincidence I read it at an ideal time - right after finishing Gibbon's Decline and Fall - Asimov supposedly had just read Gibbon and modeled lots of the story after it. Which is evident - imperial decline; generals rising through the ranks (with accompanying dynamics). Bureaucracies. Periphery weakening (though lacking external stimuli like Huns (since this Empire controlled the entire galaxy, while Rome didn't control the entire earth)).
Swashbuckling traders, some with souped-up starships, snappy dialogue, can-do attitude . . . hmm that sounds pretty familiar also.
Seldon Plan - story builds around this, and it works. Too much Hayek exposure makes me way skeptical of grand plans, but I do like how this one is explained as being built around mass movements over time.
As the plot plays out over several centuries (and the author is releasing the three volumes over a few years), there are lots of characters to figure out and track. That prevents much character development in individual cases - but again, doesn't feel like a problem.
The Mule plays a huge role starting with the second volume. Only two female characters of particular note (maybe three), they do end up with important roles.
Fun read for me; I never seek out science fiction. Paul Jr. recommendation.
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