Foundation

I would characterize Foundation not as science fiction, but as a political novel with sci-fi characteristics. Soft science fiction, if you will. This does not detract from the book's quality, though. Especially when consider its publication date, Foundation is profoundly creative and riveting. It is a brilliant fusion among genres. The story is nearly always engaging and unpredictable (in a good way). I will admit that the characters are a little one-dimensional, but they sure aren't boring. Asimov's language and style is also wonderful.

To address some of the concerns other reviews have brought up: the lack of any female characters is always apparently. I was quite shocked to find that, in fact, Asimov described himself as a feminist well before the women's right movements of the 1960s. I should hope that later publications in the Foundation series would reflect this belief. Another concern: the lack of more sci-fi elements. I addressed this in my opening statement.

Reading the other reviews makes me rather disappointed. Making sweeping, eye-catching statements of absolute praise (which I won't mention specifically) is just absurd. Calling it basic and boring is an equally invalid oversimplification. This book isn't a hyperbole in any way. It's simply a good book, one important to the history of the genre of science fiction.

A part of the plot that I appreciated greatly: I would guess that Asimov's original inspiration for the Galactic Empire falling and the Foundation attempting to preserve and expand upon its contributions would be the fall of the Roman Empire. I'm just speculating here, but it is quite amusing to me. The Foundation might be the Papal State. Just a thought!