1 of 2

Write now Article Tools

Considering the time period Russian-born Asimov lived and wrote in, it should come as little surprise that his most celebrated work draws from socio-political movements such as communism and fascism. The truth about the Foundation trilogy, and Foundation and Empire in particular, is that it is less about a fictitious intergalactic society in the future, and more about humankind. Written in the wake of WWII, the theme of manmade institutions created with good intentions that somehow go horribly awry is evident at every turn. The entire trilogy documents the collapse, internal struggle, and eventual redemption of an interplanetary society. Foundation and Empire, the middle child of the trilogy, occurs in two parts, "General," and "The Mule."

The first book of the trilogy introduces psychohistory, a cross between psychology and mathematics that is used to predict the behaviors of groups in the future. Psychohistorian Hari Seldon has predicted the catastrophic collapse of the entire Empire. He establishes the Foundation as part of the Seldon Plan, dedicated to preserving all human knowledge in order to reduce the number of years it will take to rebuild the Empire to mere thousand years (rather than the predicted tens of thousands.) Foundation and Empire picks up where this first volume leaves off, as the Empire is creeping towards a collapse due to internal politics.
The primary characters in "General" are influenced by the Roman Empire Justinian and his general Belisarius. Theirs is a power struggle of sorts that ultimately diverts attention from destruction of the Foundation, ensuring its safety for a time. A century elapses before the story of the Mule comes into play. The Mule is a genetic mutant and ruthless authoritarian who functions as a dangerous and unpredicted variable that threatens both the Seldon Plan and the Foundation itself.
The potential for redemption is one of the most noteworthy themes recurring in the trilogy. The negative aspects reflected in the characters of Foundation and Empire are generally the results of circumstance: the General is a typical despot, the warring factions populating the galaxy are simply competing for limited resources in times of scarcity, and the Mule is a pariah, unable to empathize with humans. Somehow, despite his brutality, even the Mule manages to warrant some level of sympathy. In this way, Asimov allows virtually every character some potential for redemption.
Foundation and Empire is at once visionary and revelatory. It is the story of civilization on earth, complete with litany of social and political issues including imperialism, globalization, hegemony, and interstate commerce. Themes of predestination, intergenerational justice, and chaos are all deftly manipulated by the skilled hand of Asimov. This central component of the trilogy boasts the broadest scope of the three and deserves to be recognized for this achievement. It should, however, be read in sequence in order to be fully appreciated.

Learn more about this author, Francesca Hernandez.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Book reviews: Foundation and Empire, by Isaac Asimov?
We want to hear your view. Write now!