Forward the Foundation

Infobox Book
name = Forward the Foundation
title_orig =
translator =


image_caption = Forward the Foundation
author = Asimov, Isaac
illustrator =
cover_artist =
country = United States
language = English
series = The Foundation Series
subject =
genre = Science Fiction
publisher = Spectra
pub_date = January 1993
english_pub_date =
media_type = Print (Hardback & Paperback)
pages = 464 pp
isbn = ISBN978-0553565072
oclc =
preceded_by = Foundation's Fear
followed_by = Foundation and Chaos

Forward the Foundation (1993) is a novel written by Isaac Asimov. It is the second of two prequels to the Foundation Series. It is written in much the same style as the original novel "Foundation", a novel composed of chapters with long intervals in between. (Both books were first published as independent short stories in science fiction magazines.)

The parallel between this book, the last one written by Asimov, the focus on Hari Seldon as he grows old and dies, strengthen the idea that Isaac Asimov considered Hari Seldon his literary alter ego and was a character to which Asimov identified beyond normal. Many regard some of the opinions and feelings of Hari Seldon in this book as semi-autobiographical, and while the book itself may have limited merits compared to the three central books (the Foundation Trilogy), a double reading of Forward the Foundation may in places shed a light on Asimov's inner thoughts at the end of his life.

Plot summary

In "Forward the Foundation", Isaac Asimov continues the chronicles of the life of Hari Seldon, first begun in "Prelude to Foundation".

The story takes place on Trantor, and begins eight years after the events of "Prelude to Foundation". It depicts how Hari developed his theory of psychohistory from hypothetical concept to practical application in galactic events.

Beginning during the latter years of the reign of Emperor Cleon I, Hari's work brings him into the world of galactic politics, and takes him to the height of Imperial power as Cleon's First Minister, after the mysterious disappearance of his previous First Minister, Eto Demerzel (whom Hari knows as R. Daneel Olivaw). Hari becomes First Minister to the Emperor, but loses the position ten years later after the Emperor is killed.

Gradually, Hari loses all those who are close to him. Hari's wife Dors is killed saving his life from an assassin (we find out that she is, in fact, a robot). His son Raych is killed in the Rebellion in Santanni; his daughter-in-law and second granddaughter are missing and never found. Yugo Amaryl dies early, brought on by the strain of his work. Except for his granddaughter Wanda, Hari is alone. He eventually sends her off to start the Second Foundation.

The Galactic Empire's decline accelerates during the later chapters, as does Hari's physical health. At the same time, Hari finally begins to unravel the secrets of psychohistory; he initiates a grand plan that will come to be known as the Foundation. [ Asimov, Isaac. "Foward the Foundation". Spectra. January 4, 1993. ISBN0553565072]

Footnotes