Prelude to Foundation - Isaac Asimov Book Review

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Review Summaries

"Mathematician Harri Seldon stumbled upon the concept of "psychohistory": that it is mathematically possible to predict the future! Soon Harri discovers many other remarkable things: that the Empire in all of its power may be after him, that he may die before he completes his theory of psychohistory, and most the most disturbing revelation of all, that the 20,000 year old Empire may be crumbling."
curtis reynolds, Resident Isaac Asimov Scholar

"Hari Seldon is a mathematician who invents a new science called psychohistory. Using this he can predict the future of humanity in broad sweeps. The present Galactic Emperor wants this science for himself-to make his rule stronger. Seldon, not wanting this, escapes and is helped by a reporter who turns out to be someone else. The book provides vivid accounts of the sectors on the planet Trantor where the plot is based."
Rahul Gupta, Resident Isaac Asimov Scholar

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Overall Review

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Ratings are on a 1-10 scale (Low to High)
Plot

Composition of Book
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 40%
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 25%
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 30%

Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - science fiction story
Political power play Yes
Political plotlets - saving govt/kingdom from external overthrow - factions fight within govt for control
Robots, Computers, VR Yes
Robot, PC, VR Plotlets: - good robot(s)
Is this an adult or child's book? - Adult or Young Adult Book

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status: - scientist - scholar
Age: - 20's-30's
Is this an ordinary person caught up in events? Yes
How sensitive is this character? - sensitive to others' feelings - middling sensitive to others' feelings
Sense of humor - Mostly serious with occasional humor
Intelligence - Genius
Physique - very athletic - average physique

Main Adversary
Identity: - none - an organization
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - an average amount

Setting
Terrain - Domed/Underground City
A substantial portion of this book takes place on a non-Earth planetary body: - humans in a futuristic society
Planet outside solar system? Yes

Style
Person? - mostly 3rd
Accounts of torture and death? - generic/vague references to death/punishment
scientific jargon? (SF only) - some scientific explanation
How much dialogue? - significantly more dialog than descript - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog

Most similar books by Gordonator ranking
Vulcan's Hammer by Philip K. Dick
The Golden Torc by Julian May
The Killing of Worlds by Scott Westerfeld
The Precipice by Ben Bova
Hope's End by Stephen Chambers

Note: the views expressed here are only those of the reviewer(s).

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