Reading Order
Foundation Reading Order
Isaac Asimov's Foundation is a classic science fiction series about the fall of a galactic empire and one man's plan to reduce the dark age that follows from 30,000 years to 1,000 years. The original trilogy — Foundation, Foundation and Empire, and Second Foundation — was written in the 1950s and is complete in itself. Asimov later added prequels (Prelude to Foundation, Forward the Foundation) and sequels (Foundation's Edge, Foundation and Earth) that expand the universe. Most readers start with the original trilogy.
Where to start
Foundation
Complete Foundation Book List
- 1Buy
Foundation
Isaac Asimov·1951·Book 1 — Hari Seldon's psychohistory predicts the fall of the Galactic Empire; he establishes a Foundation at the edge of the galaxy to preserve knowledge - 2Buy
Foundation and Empire
Isaac Asimov·1952·Book 2 — the Foundation faces its greatest crisis: the Mule, a mutant whose abilities psychohistory could not predict - 3Buy
Second Foundation
Isaac Asimov·1953·Book 3 — the original trilogy concludes; the search for the Second Foundation - Buy
Foundation's Edge
OptionalIsaac Asimov·1982·Book 4 — Asimov's sequel, written 30 years later; set 500 years after the trilogy - Buy
Prelude to Foundation
OptionalIsaac Asimov·1988·Prequel — Hari Seldon's early life and the development of psychohistory; written for new readers
Foundation — Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Foundation reading order?
Most readers recommend starting with Foundation (1951) and reading the original trilogy in order (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation). Asimov later added two prequels (Prelude to Foundation, Forward the Foundation) and two sequels (Foundation's Edge, Foundation and Earth). The prequels are a good entry point for new readers; the sequels extend the universe but are less essential.
How many Foundation books are there?
Asimov wrote seven Foundation novels in total: the original trilogy (3 books), two prequels (Prelude to Foundation, Forward the Foundation), and two sequels (Foundation's Edge, Foundation and Earth). There are also Foundation stories and companion novels by other authors.
Is Foundation still worth reading in 2024?
Foundation remains one of the most influential science fiction series ever written, and the central concept — psychohistory, a mathematical science that predicts the behavior of large populations — is as intellectually interesting now as it was in 1951. The prose is more functional than literary, but the ideas are the point. The Apple TV+ adaptation (2021–) has introduced many new readers to the series.
What is psychohistory in Foundation?
Psychohistory is the fictional science at the center of Foundation — a branch of mathematics that uses statistics to predict the behavior of large populations over long periods of time. Like statistical mechanics, it works at scale: it can predict what civilizations will do but cannot predict what individuals will do. The plan Hari Seldon builds around psychohistory is the engine of the entire series.
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