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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
Good news: I found out there is one more book in the series that I didnt know about
Bad news: the edition that matches all the other ones I have doesn't come out till August
Bad news: the edition that matches all the other ones I have doesn't come out till August
More of the sexism of Foundation's Edge and Foundation and Earth and a fair dose of colonialism and stereotyping. Asimov just can't seem to write a solid, strong, independent female character. The last item, stereotyping, is used by Asimov to make a good point on how stupid such a practice is, but he's so heavy-handed that it doesn't come across with enough finesse.
Having said that, his story telling skill made me want to read through to the end. It wasn't necessarily the best story and some parts were easy to figure out, but the process of the story kept me engaged and intrigued. He was telling a moral or ethical story with the Foundation series, and while at times awkward or heavy-handed in how he presents his thesis, the thesis itself it good. This is one of Asimov's greatest assets, keeping me fully engaged even if I'm not totally enjoying the in-the-moment experience.
Having said that, his story telling skill made me want to read through to the end. It wasn't necessarily the best story and some parts were easy to figure out, but the process of the story kept me engaged and intrigued. He was telling a moral or ethical story with the Foundation series, and while at times awkward or heavy-handed in how he presents his thesis, the thesis itself it good. This is one of Asimov's greatest assets, keeping me fully engaged even if I'm not totally enjoying the in-the-moment experience.
This one was a good read; at least, it was good enough to get me to want to read the next book in the series. But it wasn’t that great. It reminded me of a travel book… maybe an introduction to the world of the series? I don’t know… interesting, but not great.
Am I rambling?
Am I rambling?
I have so many mixed feelings on this.
For starters, I tried reading this when I was a wee teen, but after 100p I dropped and haven’t touched it since. Now that I’m more versed in Asimov, this turned out to be a breeze.
I absolutely love the first and third act. I thought everything was set up well and the pay offs were mostly satisfying. There was an obvious twist that I’m still kicking myself over for not seeing near the end that made me go ‘no, yeah, I’ll recommend this to people.’
My biggest issue with this is how much I hate Hari Seldon. He is a monster for most of the book by essentially being a refugee for three distinct cultures and then thanks them by shitting on them, telling them how backwards they are, and whining nonstop about how brutish they are. Seriously, I was horrified reading the Mycogen section. It was literally white privilege: the book.
Another point that is a double edge sword is that this book was published in the 80s, but it feels like a 50s book. I love that because it feels very Asimov and the aesthetic is chef’s kiss. I hate it because sexism is very strong for an 80s story. Constantly, Hari is treating to put Dors (his female bodyguard) in her place by being ‘macho’ and ‘chivalry’ but he comes off as an asshole. And Dors tells him he’s an asshole and yet, and yet, Hari gets everything he wants in the end. Sigh.
So, yeah, mixed bag.
For starters, I tried reading this when I was a wee teen, but after 100p I dropped and haven’t touched it since. Now that I’m more versed in Asimov, this turned out to be a breeze.
I absolutely love the first and third act. I thought everything was set up well and the pay offs were mostly satisfying. There was an obvious twist that I’m still kicking myself over for not seeing near the end that made me go ‘no, yeah, I’ll recommend this to people.’
My biggest issue with this is how much I hate Hari Seldon. He is a monster for most of the book by essentially being a refugee for three distinct cultures and then thanks them by shitting on them, telling them how backwards they are, and whining nonstop about how brutish they are. Seriously, I was horrified reading the Mycogen section. It was literally white privilege: the book.
Another point that is a double edge sword is that this book was published in the 80s, but it feels like a 50s book. I love that because it feels very Asimov and the aesthetic is chef’s kiss. I hate it because sexism is very strong for an 80s story. Constantly, Hari is treating to put Dors (his female bodyguard) in her place by being ‘macho’ and ‘chivalry’ but he comes off as an asshole. And Dors tells him he’s an asshole and yet, and yet, Hari gets everything he wants in the end. Sigh.
So, yeah, mixed bag.
When it comes to my reading life, to be frank, it has been pretty dead. After finishing the forced readings that form the intensive experience of an MA(lit), I found my will to read crushed. Or, that was until I picked up this book. I was a big fan of I, Robot, and I have always found Science-Fiction great because it not only provides us with a glimpse into our possible futures, but it also provides a platform for us to discuss how we should better manage the technology that we have now and how our choices today impact the world of tomorrow. At the same time that this is accomplished, it provides a story that is great for readers of any age. Like most books in this genre, you can merely scratch the surface for an easy and relaxing bedtime read or you can choose the delve deep into its text to ponder the possibilities of psychohistory and the power of our contemporary sociological relations.
Prelude to Foundation brings its readers into a fascinating universe where an empire now rules of 25 million worlds while being stuck in a state of stagnation. One man, Hari Seldon possesses a key that may be able to determine the future of the empire, which leaves him stuck between factions feuding to control him and his theoretical work: Psychohistory. Throughout this story, as Asimov develops Seldon’s Psychohistory, the reader is confronted with theoretical frameworks that are related to many important areas of theoretical ideas that we see in academia now, such as the newly prominent ideas currently circulating in object theory and relational impacts on future events.
Prelude to Foundation brings its readers into a fascinating universe where an empire now rules of 25 million worlds while being stuck in a state of stagnation. One man, Hari Seldon possesses a key that may be able to determine the future of the empire, which leaves him stuck between factions feuding to control him and his theoretical work: Psychohistory. Throughout this story, as Asimov develops Seldon’s Psychohistory, the reader is confronted with theoretical frameworks that are related to many important areas of theoretical ideas that we see in academia now, such as the newly prominent ideas currently circulating in object theory and relational impacts on future events.
The trip through Trantor was sparkling while the chemistry between Seldon and Dors was awkward. Hummin saving the day was getting admittedly ridiculous and I suspected he was Daneel, which would have made it acceptable, but him being Demerzel was a terrific twist.
Un muy buen libro que entrega referencias claras previas a Fundación. Un poco lento al principio, cobra dinamismo luego de establecer la historia y sus acciones luego de los primeros cuatro capítulos.
I enjoyed the story, but typical Asimov style left me not rushing to pick up the book once I put it down. No wonder I didn't get on with this series as a kid!
okay so aside from a young Hari Seldon being a huge ass for most of the book (seriously he thinks calling himself a scholar excuses himself from breaking rules for the sake of curiosity), this was a great Prelude to use the title. It ties together the tendrils leftover from the Robot series and merges them into the Foundation series and I am glad Asimov came back after so many years to create this grand world in such a connected way. I look forward to Forward the Foundation, Foundations Edge and Foundation and Earth.