Foundation's Triumph

Book excerpt: The Second Foundation Trilogy ends with “a satisfying and clever finale . . . An impressive, thought-provoking addition to Isaac Asimov’s formidable legacy” (Science Fiction Weekly). Isaac Asimov’s Foundation Trilogy is one of the highwater marks of science fiction. The monumental story of a Galactic Empire in decline and a secret society of scientists who seek to shorten the coming Dark Age with tools of Psychohistory, Foundation pioneered many themes of modern science fiction. Now, with the approval of the Asimov estate, three of today’s most acclaimed authors have completed the epic the Grand Master left unfinished. The Second Foundation Trilogy begins with Gregory Benford’s Foundation’s Fear, telling the origins of Hari Seldon, the Foundation’s creator. Greg Bear’s Foundation and Chaos relates the epic tale of Seldon’s downfall and the first stirrings of robotic rebellion. Now, in David Brin’s Foundation’s Triumph, Seldon is about to escape exile and risk everything for one final quest—a search for knowledge and the power it bestows. The outcome of this final journey may secure humankind’s future—or witness its final downfall . . . Praise for The Second Foundation Trilogy “The three new Foundation novels . . . are far more than just new pieces of the same story. They add up to a deeply affectionate work of literary deconstruction.” —The New Yorker “Brings out the complexities of a galactic empire that Asimov never filled out.” —The Denver Post “In the Second Foundation Trilogy, Gregory Benford, Greg Bear and now David Brin have conducted a lively exploration of the logical and ethical implications of Asimov’s sprawling future history.” —Science Fiction Weekly