Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Foundation by Isaac Asimov

Part 1: The Psycho-Historians

An Encyclopedia Galactica article introduces Hari Selden, a renowned mathematician from the galactic era around 12,000. Gail Dornick, who is writing a biography about Selden, arrives in Trantor for the first time. Upon landing, Gail gets a visa and heads to the Luxor Hotel. During his visit to Trantor, Gail visits an observation tower and learns about the city’s reliance on underground energy. He encounters Hari Selden unexpectedly in his hotel room. Psycho-history, a branch of mathematics that focuses on large human group reactions to social and economic stimuli, is Selden’s area of expertise. Selden uses psycho-history to predict a calamitous future for the Empire, with Trantor particularly vulnerable. Selden also reveals that his project is under scrutiny, with a small chance of execution. Gail agrees to meet him at the university the next day.

Part 2: The Encyclopedists

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fty years have passed. Terminus, settled by encyclopedists, faces isolation as the royal governor of Anacrion declares himself king. Louis Paren, working on the Encyclopedia Foundation, dismisses Harden's warnings about Terminus' protection and the upcoming Anacrion envoy, preferring not to engage in politics. Anselm Hot Rodrick, envoy of Anachrian, arrives at Terminus and meets with Salver Hardin and Louis Paren. Tensions rise during their discussions, revealing Anacrion's imperialistic intentions and their lack of nuclear power. As Terminus Mayor Hardin attends a Board of Trustees meeting, Lord Darwin, Chancellor of the Empire, will be visiting. Hardin questions his ability to handle the Anachronic threat and declares that the Galactic Empire is collapsing, causing tension among the board members. The mention of Hari Selden's upcoming vault opening potentially containing a solution leaves the board unsure. Hardin finds Lord Dorwin and Paren discussing an encyclopedia, providing an opportunity for Hardin to bring up the power plant meltdown on planet V of Gamma Andromeda and the problem of nuclear power loss in the periphery. Lord Dorwin downplays the issues and deflects further discussions. Hardin reveals the treaty specifics, indicating that the Empire and Anacrion can't exert power over each other, accusing Lord Darwin of misinformation. He suggests they reject Anacrion's ultimatum and await the vault's opening in six days. Hardin and Johan Lee plan a coup, believing that the Board of Trustees will be powerless afterward. Despite initial uncertainties, they proceed with their plans, trusting in their strategy. Inside the vault, the board and Hardin are confronted by a hologram of Hari Selden, who reveals the true mission of the Encyclopedia Foundation to establish the foundation for the future second Galactic Empire and urges immediate action.

Part 3: The Mayor’s

Thirty years have passed. Mayor Hardin is visited by a group of young councilmen led by SEF Cermak, who criticize his foreign policy. After the councilmen leave, Hardin reveals that Ambassador Verisoff is returning, the high priest of Anachrian and ambassador to the Foundation, warns Hardin about Prince Regent Wenis’s impending attack on the Foundation. Verisoff suggests they spend some time relaxing but must be cautious not to be recognized by the new political party in the Foundation. Louis Board returns from Anacrion, reporting that their mission is doomed as the authoritarian religion has gained control. Troubling rumors circulate, suggesting that Hardin may be in cahoots with Anacrion, and there are preparations for a battle cruiser. Levi Norast arrives and drops a bombshell. Hardin is heading to Anacrion. This revelation prompts the group to contemplate impeaching him. The time vault is crowded with men awaiting Hari Selden, Sir Mac, and Bort, who once opposed Hardin, now join in the vote of confidence. Lee frets over Selden’s potential failure and the annexation of the four kingdoms. Selden speaks about the Foundation’s progress and the danger of regionalism, mentions another Foundation in another galaxy, and departs.

Part 4: The Traitors

Fifty-five years have passed. Limar Ponyets, a traitor, is informed by Les Gorm about a fellow traitor, Foundation agent Eskel Gorev, who’s been imprisoned on Askone. Despite the risks, Ponyets decides to rescue him. On arrival at Askone, Ponyets and Gorev are intercepted and accused of trespassing. Ponyets tries negotiating with the Grand Master, pleading for Gorev’s life and discussing the Foundation’s wealth. Ponyets visits Gorev in his cell under the guise of a spiritual advisor. Gorev directs Ponyets to negotiate his release with gold from the Foundation. Despite his doubts, Ponyets agrees. The Grand Master accuses Ponyets of bribery, but Ponyets unveils a device that can transform iron into gold. He convinces the Grand Master with a demonstration and suggests using the gold to adorn shrines. Despite objections, the Grand Master keeps the gold and detains Ponyets for 30 days. Ponyets offers Farrell a chance to increase his power with the transmuter machine. Farrell, after ensuring confidentiality and payment security, considers the offer. Ponyets successfully exchanges Gorev with gold produced by the transmuter. He reveals to Gorev their subsequent plan of blackmailing Farrell, the council member, using a recording of him misusing the transmuter, securing an advantageous deal with his mining estates.

Part 5: The Merchant Princes

Seventy years have passed. Hober Mallow, a trader turned merchant prince, is asked by Jorane Sut, the mayor’s secretary, to investigate the disappearance of three trade ships in the Coralian Republic. Mallow agrees, leaving Sut questioning his true intentions. Publis Manlio, the foreign secretary and primate of the church, meets with Jorane Sut. Sut believes that a third Selden crisis is looming and suggests combining the roles of primacy and mayoralty to counter the unchecked power of traders. Hober Mallow and Jane Toran plan to join forces for trader representation in the council. Mallow reveals his secret business trip and the looming Selden crisis, prompting Toran to join him in Coral. Mallow and the crew encounter a Foundation missionary. Mallow hesitates to protect him due to conflicting laws. After a confrontation with a local mob, Mallow receives an invitation for a meeting with Condor Asparago. Mallow and Condor Asper discuss trade and propose business opportunities, securing an invitation to dinner from Asper. Condor Asper and his wife argue over his political plans. He silences her suspicions with gifts and threats. Mallow reveals a plan to infiltrate a steel foundry, suspecting Coral’s use of nuclear power for war preparations. Mallow impresses officials with his steel-cutting skills and discovers that the Galactic Empire is still active. Mallow instructs Senior Lieutenant Drott to assume command during his absence and hands him crucial items, including a time capsule to be delivered to Terminus if Mallow doesn’t return. Mallow meets Onambar, who recounts the violent history of the planet. Mallow inquires about the planet’s power generators. Mallow coerces a tech man to show him his generators using a shield and nuclear generator as bait. The tech man leads Mallow to the generators. After an intense exchange, the tech man kicks Mallow out when his shield malfunctions and proves irreparable. Despite potential charges against him, Mallow plans to run for council, prepared to challenge his opponent, Jorane Sut. At Mallow’s trial, he turns the table by implicating Toran and Sut in wrongdoing, winning over the crowd with compelling evidence. Mallow plans to deal with the impending war with Coral by becoming mayor and high priest, believing that action is key to resolving the crisis. Commodore Asper Argo and his wife decide to go to war with the Foundation, despite the potential loss of trade and wealth. The crew of the Dark Nebula raises an alarm upon spotting an Empire ship, desperately reaching out to the Foundation for assistance. Mayor Flubber Mallow plans to use trade as a weapon against Coral and the Empire, despite the ongoing war and political unrest. After Coral’s surrender, Mallow’s popularity rises.