Title: Segunda Fundación
Author: Isaac Asimov
First published January 1, 1953
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9788401463334 (ISBN10: 8401463335)
Rating: 4.27
Overview
In “Segunda Fundación,” the third and final installment in Isaac Asimov’s Foundation series, the mysterious and semi-mythical Second Foundation takes center stage. After the defeat of the mutant known as the Mule, the Second Foundation must navigate the aftermath of his reign and prevent any future threats to the galaxy.
With both the remnants of the First Foundation and the ambitions of the Mule still looming, the mentalists of the Second Foundation must work to restore the Sheldon Plan and maintain their anonymity. Follow Preem Palver as he executes a complex strategy to ensure the survival of the Second Foundation and solidify its place in the annals of galactic history.
About the Author
Isaac Asimov, an author and biochemistry professor, was a talented and well-known figure in the world of science fiction and popular science books. He was incredibly prolific, having written or edited over 500 books and an estimated 90,000 letters and postcards.
His works spanned nine of the ten major categories of the Dewey Decimal System, with Philosophy being the only exception.
Asimov was considered one of the “Big Three” science-fiction writers of his time, along with Robert A. Heinlein and Arthur C.
Clarke. His most famous work is the Foundation Series, and he also wrote the Galactic Empire and Robot series, which he later tied into the same fictional universe as the Foundation Series to create a unified “future history” for his stories.
Asimov penned numerous short stories, including “Nightfall,” which was voted the best short science fiction story of all time by the Science Fiction Writers of America in 1964.
Aside from science fiction, Asimov also wrote mysteries, fantasy, and nonfiction books. His popularized science books often explained complex concepts in a historical context, providing biographical information for the scientists mentioned and pronunciation guides for technical terms.
Asimov was a member of Mensa International, but he found more joy in being president of the American Humanist Association.
Asimov’s contributions to literature and science have been recognized through numerous honors, such as having an asteroid and a magazine named after him, as well as two Isaac Asimov Awards and a Brooklyn, NY elementary school.
Editoral Review
Isaac Asimov’s classic science fiction novel Segunda Fundación continues to captivate readers more than 60 years after its first publication. Asimov, one of the most revered authors of the genre, is known for his intellectually-stimulating tales that challenge the reader’s perception of the world.
Segunda Fundación is no exception, and it draws the reader into a world of intrigue and mystery with its layered plot, well-crafted characters and intricate themes.
The novel takes place in a galaxy far in the future, where humans have developed into a highly advanced civilization, with mind-bending technologies and heightened intellectual abilities.
The plot revolves around a secret organization known as the Second Foundation, which is seemingly established to ensure the continuity of human progress. However, as the novel progresses, it becomes clear that the Second Foundation has an even more clandestine purpose.
The novel’s main character is a man called the Mule, a mutant with the power to manipulate human emotions to his will. He seeks to destroy the First Foundation, the administrative arm of the human civilization, and claim control for himself.
Meanwhile, a group called the “Searchers” are on a mission to find the Second Foundation and bring their machinations into the light. As the Mule’s power grows, the Searchers must act fast to protect humanity’s future.
Asimov’s writing is masterful, planting seeds of intrigue and mystery throughout the story. He utilizes flashbacks, subterfuge, and surprising revelations to keep the reader guessing until the very end.
The characters are well-developed, with distinct personalities that drive the plot forward. The world-building is also impressive, offering a glimpse into what a highly evolved human civilization would look like, while exploring thought-provoking themes around power, free will, and the nature of humanity.
While the novel is not without flaws, such as occasional slow pacing in sections of the book, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. Segunda Fundación is a true classic of science fiction that isn’t just thrilling, but also thought-provoking.
It stands the test of time not only as a great novel of its genre but also as a novel that continues to impart crucial life lessons in today’s world.
Segunda Fundación is a must-read for any science-fiction fan, and those who enjoy stories set in futuristic worlds with powerful political intrigue.
Asimov’s writing is a testament to his immense talent and deserves recognition for its contribution to the genre. Readers will find themselves pulled into a thrilling adventure, and leave with a greater appreciation of science fiction’s storytelling abilities.
We give this book a rating of 4.8/5, making it a definite must-read for any lover of the genre.
