isaac asimov is widely considered to be the best science fiction writer of all time
the foundation series definitely proves that, it's brilliant and provides a stark and interesting contrast to modern day life and the advancement of technology and how it intertwines with societal breakup and divergence
highly suggest a read
I've read
Foundation,
Foundation and Empire but stopped halfway through
Second Foundation
My dumbass kid self felt bored - big mistake
I agree, the interesting thing is the connection between the protagonists' stories and the larger History
I'm tempted to go back to it, but starting with the
Robot series, then the
Foundation series
Do you think I should read both series, in one go?
I don't read as much as I'd like to. However, I've recently read two interesting books.
1. "Shop Class as Soulcraft: An Inquiry Into the Value of Work" by Matthew Crawford
A friend directed me to this essay.
Matthew Crawford details how he obtained a doctor's degree in the University of Virginia, while working as a mechanic.
He promotes craftsmanship and "know-how", viewing it as a core component of intelligence. The author also explains how professions, when too far removed from this "material intelligence", removes both responsability and expertise.
He then broadens this explanation and criticizes contemporary capitalism, where even motorcycling, once a subculture for the tech-savvy, is now a commodified market.
Next up :
2. "Malevil" by Robert Merle (1972)
A classic in post-apocalyptic litterature. Plus, the guy's French.
A group of friends unexpectedly survive a nuclear holocaust, protected by the walls of Malevil, a medieval fortress. After the initial shock, they set out to reestablish civilization, in a neo-feudal French countryside.
The novel isn't overly dramatic. Rebuilding civilization isn't about fighting other surviving communities, but keeping a safe power balance, negociating ressources, avoiding and mending ideological or religious differences...
Post-apo is a tired topic today. It wasn't so in 1972, and this novel gives an honest and nuanced take.