While Asimov’s saga nowadays seems less original than when it first appeared, the sweep of its conception maintains a thrilling freshness. Humanity spreads throughout the galaxy (there are, notably, no aliens to contend with) and reaches a developmental peak after 12,000 years, typified by the uber-civilized steel-clad planet Trantor. Yet one man, Hari Seldon, foresees collapse, thanks to his immersion in the science of “psychohistory,” and sets up a secret long-range buffer—the “Second Foundation”—against permanent downfall. The Dark Ages duly arrive, but the dead Seldon’s proleptic plans are bent by the unpredictable appearance of a rogue mutant who seeks to undo all of the psychohistorian’s safeguards.