Just Finished re-Reading: Foundation and Empire by Isaac Asimov (FP: 1952) [172pp] 

As the Galactic Empire slowly collapses, Hari Seldon’s legacy – the Foundation – grows ever stronger. But the Empire is far from dead and its leaders can still project awesome power when necessary. The next Seldon Crisis the Foundation must face forms around one such leader, maybe the last of his kind – a charismatic military mind with a loyal following and a passion for conquest. The magic of Psych-History is prepared though and the Foundation will not go down easily. Later, with another Crisis behind them, the Foundation is feeling pretty good about itself. So much so that it can finally put its house in order and expel the rump opposition forces once and for all. As yet another barbarian leader emerges in the ashes of the fallen Empire confidence is high that the Seldon Plan is unstoppable – but Hari Seldon warned, long ago, that his equations cannot predict the actions of individuals, especially someone like the ‘Mule’ who’s actions it seems cannot be predicted or easily opposed! 

This is the second book of the original Foundation trilogy. I first read it around 40-45 years ago so couldn’t remember much about it (except when the ‘Mule’ appeared). One thing that immediately became apparent was just how well the story still reads over 70 years after publication. There are a few things that have dated badly, but for the most part the text seemed virtually timeless. Essentially split into two halves, with the first half showing the Foundation near its best and the second how pride shouts from the rooftops before crashing and burning, it's interesting how the author can pull the rug out from under the readers expectations and leave them wondering if the seemingly god-like Seldon could actually be wrong. That, I thought, was rather brave of him but leaves the reader desperately wanting to know what happens next. It was also interesting that Asimov highlights not a flaw as such but a limitation built within the Seldon Plan – essentially what we would call these days 'Black Swan' events. When someone like the ‘Mule’ spontaneously emerges the maths of Psycho-History is helpless, as we’re shown. Naturally this sets up the narrative for the next book, which I hope/expect to read by the end of the year along with the 3rd ‘Dune’ book. A recommended example of golden era SF.  

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