Title: Second Foundation
Author: Isaac Asimov
First published January 1, 1953
256 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780553803730 (ISBN10: 0553803735)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
The Foundation was thriving, but there was a looming threat. A mysterious Second Foundation was rumored to exist, and many were desperate to find it.
The powerful and dangerous Mule was hot on its trail, and even the Foundation’s own people were searching for it as a means of protection. All eyes turned to Arkady, a young girl with a brilliant mind, who may hold the key to the Second Foundation’s location.
But as tensions rise and suspicions grow, it becomes unclear who can truly be trusted. Will Arkady’s knowledge be enough to save them all, or will it lead to their downfall?
About the Author
Isaac Asimov, an author and biochemistry professor, was a notable figure in the world of science fiction and popular science books. He authored over 500 books, edited countless letters and postcards, and was considered one of the most prolific writers of all time.
Asimov’s works spanned across nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System, and he is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre. Along with Robert A.
Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, Asimov was one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers during his lifetime.
Asimov’s most famous work is the Foundation Series, but he also wrote the Galactic Empire series and the Robot series. These stories were later tied into the same universe as the Foundation Series to create a unified “future history.” Asimov also wrote mysteries and fantasy in addition to nonfiction.
He penned the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels under the pen name Paul French.
Asimov’s popularized science books often explained scientific concepts in a historical context, going as far back as possible to a time when the science was at its simplest stage. He provided nationalities, birth and death dates, and etymologies and pronunciation guides for technical terms.
Some of his notable works include the Guide to Science, the three-volume set Understanding Physics, and Asimov’s Chronology of Science and Discovery.
Asimov was a member and Vice President of Mensa International, although he was reluctant due to some members’ “brain-proud and aggressive” attitudes about their IQs. He was happier being the President of the American Humanist Association. Asimov’s legacy lives on through the asteroid 5020 Asimov, the magazine Asimov’s Science Fiction, a Brooklyn elementary school, and two different Isaac Asimov Awards named in his honor.
Editoral Review
Isaac Asimov’s Second Foundation is a science fiction classic first published on January 1, 1953. Asimov, a prolific and renowned author, is widely celebrated for helping to shape the modern science fiction genre.
Second Foundation is the final novel in his Foundation series and is considered one of his most significant works. Asimov’s writing style is characterized by his scientific precision, meticulous attention to detail, and his ability to weave complex, thought-provoking stories.
The science fiction genre as a whole is known for dealing with otherworldly themes and futuristic technology, but Asimov takes it a step further by exploring how these themes interact with human nature and society. In Second Foundation, readers are brought back to the galactic empire envisioned in the earlier books in the series, which introduces a new theme to his work: the idea of mind control.
Golan Trevize is the protagonist who must navigate the precarious balance between freedom and control, which puts the fate of the empire at stake. While the plot can be difficult to follow at times, Asimov’s world-building is both exquisitely crafted and detailed.
The characters are skillfully developed, and their motivations are fully fleshed out. One of the strengths of Second Foundation is how Asimov uses his imaginary world as a vehicle for commenting on real-life sociocultural issues.
Throughout the book, Asimov raises questions about democracy, power, and the role of science in society. As such, Second Foundation remains a useful text for anyone interested in science, politics, and the intersection between the two.
However, despite its many strengths, the storyline is somewhat slow to unfold. The complex details and the emphasis on the political process can be overwhelming for readers looking for a more action-fueled plot.
Asimov also doesn’t spend as much time exploring the potential consequences of the new elements introduced in the book. Despite a few minor flaws, Second Foundation is a must-read for science fiction fans.
It’s an enduring classic that showcases Asimov’s intelligent writing and creativity. Anyone who enjoys science fiction, speculative fiction or similar futuristic themes, will find much to love in Second Foundation.
The novel’s thought-provoking themes and intricate character development will be appreciated by those who value a rich reading experience. On a scale of 1 to 5, we would rate Second Foundation as a high 4.
It offers a brilliant display of Asimov’s imaginative world-building and storytelling abilities.
