A definite classic and one of the best works of Asimov. Considering the time it was written, 1951, 1952, 1953 respectively for each volume, the author was a clever and to a point, a prophetic visionary. Many decades later, his work and theories are taken seriously by many psychologists. I see Asimov identifying himself with Harry Seldon.

I'm rating it 5 because of the impact the trilogy had on me as an eighth grader. I don't know if it would impact me as profoundly now - probably not. Although the sequels were better written (Azimov improved with age, though Nightfall remains the best sci fi short story ever written), they strayed from the theme that captivated me - merging them with the robot novels unnecessarily in my opinion.

The first Foundation Trilogy was originally published in 1951 through 1953, namely "Foundation," "Foundation And Empire," and "Second Foundation." For the uninitiated, the concept is roughly equivalent to the historical fall of the Roman Empire, the subsequent Dark Ages, and the rebirth during the Renaissance; however, in this case psychohistorian Hari Seldon attempts to shorten the downtime after the fall of the futuristic Galactic Empire by creating two oases of learning and technology (i.e. the Foundations) that will provide the catalyst for an earlier renewal. Through the process, the Foundations must survive petty warlords, internal strife, a renewal of the Empire, plots against each other, and a mysterious mutant who threatens the entire plan. The bottom line is that while the Foundation Trilogy is well written and enjoyable, it is not as imaginative or complex as it could have been which keeps it from getting a five star rating.

These books didn't do anything for me, at all. I read them because of the hype, but I failed to connect with any of them. I found the plots predictable, and the fact that everything that happens had been predicted through psychohistory left me with no sense of drama or suspense. I finished the three original books, but....they left me feeling dry.

A masterpiece. Asimov's Foundation books will tell you more about political science than you will learn in most courses on the subject. The plot parallels Gibbon's The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire (Asimov's inspiration for the Foundation Books). Concepts such as the balance of power, the use of religion as a political tool, economic colonization, the struggle between empires, and the oscillation between democratic, oligrarchial and tyrannical political systems are explored via narrative development rather than a dry recitation of facts and theories. In other words, it's fun to read (a lot more than a textbook), and you'll learn a lot more than you might in class. As one writer noted below, the characters are 'cardboard'; these are, fundamentally, novels of ideas rather than action or character (the later novels have more complex characters, but the ideas aren't as good). Foundation complements the Hitchhiker's Guide very nicely; Foundation explores the possibilities of the social sciences (especially politics), while The Guide focuses on philosophical questions and technological possibilities.

I can barely remember most of the characters (except for the few main ones) or many of the plot points, but I do remember being surprised that political intrigue and academics could be so enthralling. If you try to describe these novels to somebody, they will come out sounding pretty pointless and boring. However, none of us are Isaac Asimov, so our descriptions will fall short. As far as science fiction goes, or as Asimov's other novels go, the Foundation Trilogy are middling when it comes to ideas .and sci-fi is the genre of ideas taken to their logical conclusions), but it is so well written that you will find yourself enraptured by the most mundane political discourse. I have probably done a really bad job of describing and recommending the books, but you're going to have to trust me that they are totally fascinating, even if I can't seem to describe them to non-readers/

Great series, only weakness is the first book. Some parts of the series (eg the Mule) are just fantastic.

Asimov's best work, i enjoyed it immensely

Not a Trilogy, he wrote more - after a long break. I'm reading the (7th) last book which he wrote shortly before he died. Asomov is truly brilliant.

Having read all the good critics I decided to read this. Only read the original trilogy, but was highly disappointed. I do not have a tie with his characters. What happens to them leaves me indifferent.

Classic Sci-Fi. A universe so complex and ideas so intriguing that you'll be dreaming about psychohistory...

Is mob behaviour predictable? Can we predict the trends of humanity far into the future? Asimov's psychohistorians believed that they could and in an age of intergalactic prosperity they foresaw an age of prosperity. Could they amelioriate this hell by through the 'foundation' of enlightened colonies.

The original trilogy is a classic of Science Fiction by a master story teller. This is the story of Psychohistory and how it's founder Hari seldon keep the galactic civilization from going through a massive dark age. I have read the original trilogy a few times, the last time reading it through with all the prequels and sequels Asimove has written after then. They are not as good as the original trilogy, but are still well written in their own right.

The "Foundation" had a GREAT start but finished as a total flop. Read the first few books and just imagine the ending (or better, write it yourself).

Quite rightfully the winner of the Hugo for best science fiction series of all times

Absolutely classic. A must-read.

Fantastic trilogy! It was hard to put down any of the books. The concept of Psychohistory is fascinating. Definately a fast-moving read