How Many Series of Foundation Are There?
The Foundation franchise, created by Isaac Asimov, is a science fiction series that has captivated readers and audiences for decades. With a rich history of over 60 years, the series has grown to include numerous books, television shows, and even a feature film. In this article, we’ll delve into the main series of Foundation, exploring the various novels, short stories, and compiled volumes that make up this beloved universe.
Direct Answer: How Many Series of Foundation Are There?
There are three main series of Foundation:
- The Original Series (1951-1993): This series consists of 7 novels, exploring the early years of the Foundation and its attempts to predict and prevent the fall of the Galactic Empire.
- The Revised History of the Future, Inc. (1986-1996): This series is comprised of 3 books, which retell the story of the original series from a different perspective, providing new insights and characters.
- The Darkness of the Robot, Rise of the Empire, and First Trilogy (1986-1996): This series comprises 3 books, focusing on the events leading up to the creation of the Foundation and its early struggles.
Other Related Works
While the above three main series are the core of the Foundation franchise, there are several other notable works that are often included in the larger Foundation universe. These include:
- Short stories: Asimov wrote numerous short stories set within the Foundation universe, often focusing on specific characters or events.
- Companion volumes: Asimov wrote several companion books, such as Forward the Foundation (1951) and Foundation’s Edge (1982), which expanded on the original series.
- Prequels and sequels: Authors like Michael P. Kube-McDowell and Greg Bear have written novels that build upon Asimov’s foundation, offering new adventures and insights.
A Brief Overview of each Main Series
Here’s a brief overview of each main series:
The Original Series (1951-1993)
The original series is a classic, consisting of 7 novels that explore the foundation’s early days:
- Foundation (1951)
- Foundation and Empire (1952)
- Second Foundation (1953)
- Foundation and Earth (1986)
- Forward the Foundation (1951) (a compilation of short stories)
- FOUNDATION TRILOGY (1981-1982) (a retelling of the original series)
- Foundation’s Edge (1982) (a standalone novel set 12,000 years after the events of the original series)
The Revised History of the Future, Inc. (1986-1996)
This series retells the original story from a different perspective, offering new insights and characters:
- PRELUDE TO FOUNDATION (1988)
- Forward the Foundation (1990) (a revised and expanded version of the original compilation)
- FOUNDATION AND EARTH (1993) (a revised and expanded version of the original novel)
The Darkness of the Robot, Rise of the Empire, and First Trilogy (1986-1996)
This series explores the events leading up to the creation of the Foundation and its early struggles:
- MINDWITCH (1986)
- THE PURSUIT OF THE PIED PIPER (1986)
- FOUNDATION (1990) (a retelling of the original novel)
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Foundation franchise comprises three main series, each offering a unique take on the universe and its characters. While Asimov’s original series set the stage, the revised history and subsequent novels and short stories have continued to expand and enrich this beloved science fiction universe. Whether you’re a fan of classic space operas or more recent explorations, the Foundation series has something to offer, as it richly explores the intricacies of humanity, technology, and the future of civilization.