I found it interesting that this book was written about 30 years after the previous book in the series was published. As such, there are some noticeable differences in Asimov's style and treatment of Foundation. This is also the first proper novel in the Foundation series, since the previous three books were really a collection of short stories. This story is much longer and much more fleshed out than the previous Foundation stories, as a result.

Lots of neat ideas to keep a reader interested: Earth as a sort of paradise lost; Earth as a sort of "grail quest"; robots, the three laws of robotics (and its conclusion); Gaia theory (a planet as a single, living organism); self-conscious, deliberate, and contradictory representations of gender; and, of course, the Seldon Plan and Foundation. There's a lot more to the book, of course, but these are some ideas I found most interesting.

I thought the book had a good opening, but most of the first half was pretty weak. It got much better in the second half, and the ending was just great (good enough for me to give it 4 stars, despite the weak beginning). Asimov really is a great storyteller, and I recommend the series. I would suggest reading the original trilogy before this one (and perhaps "I, Robot" as well). ( )

Sequel to the foundation trilogy. Foundationer Trevize tries his hand at something that has eluded many before him, find the elusive Second Foundation. Good continuation of the dynamic of the two Foundations that was left open in the trilogy. ( )

Continuing the Foundation novels, as the people of the Foundation search for the elusive Earth, and Asimov builds the link between the Robot novels and Foundation universe. ( )

More than the Foundations?
There may be an as yet undiscovered third leg in the struggle for control, and this leads to a couple of the characters involved searching for Earth.
Not sure there is any real reason to read this if you have read the original Foundation books, but if you are more of a fan you will likely enjoy it, with all the psychohistory, prediction and mind games.
http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/10... ( )

More than the Foundations?
There may be an as yet undiscovered third leg in the struggle for control, and this leads to a couple of the characters involved searching for Earth.
Not sure there is any real reason to read this if you have read the original Foundation books, but if you are more of a fan you will likely enjoy it, with all the psychohistory, prediction and mind games.
http://notfreesf.blogspot.com/2007/10... ( )