Isaac Asimov
1951
Around 255 pages
I honestly can't wait until we get to The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. So far we are getting very serious novels that unironically use terms like "Galactic Empire." There are certain elements of this universe I enjoy, but overall, I don't find Asimov to be a particularly compelling storyteller.
In 12,067 GE, Hari Seldon has developed psychohistory, a new field of science that can basically predict the future using math. Seldon discovers that the empire will collapse in 300 years, to be followed by a 30000 year dark age. Naturally, the Powers That Be don't want to hear that, but Seldon has a solution. By creating a total compendium of human knowledge, the Encyclopedia Galactica, the dark age can be reduced to a thousand years. He accepts the Empire's offer to complete the work on the remote planet of Terminus with another mathematician.
I enjoyed the concept of the story more than the execution. Asimov is just so dry. His style lends the story credibility, as you do feel like you are reading a true account of humanity in its death throes. The world he presented wasn't one that I am tempted to revisit again and again, but points for creativity.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Elon Musk counts the series among the inspirations for his career. Thanks Asimov!
Won the one-time Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966.
UP NEXT: Malone Dies by Samuel Beckett
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