Foundation is a science fiction novel written by American author Isaac Asimov and was first published in 1951 by Gnome Press. The book is the first in the Foundation Series, and was followed by Foundation and Empire (1952).
The story follows the decline of the Galactic Empire, which is foretold to result in 30,000 years of human turmoil, unless the brightest minds can come together to stop this from happening. These geniuses, known as the Encyclopaedists, attempt to stop the four independent planets from entering into a war by overthrowing the efforts of the dictator, and Mayor of Terminus City, Salvor Hardin.
This book was highly praised, with businessman Elon Musk and US politician Newt Gingrich considering Asimov’s work to be an inspiration behind their life’s work. The trilogy also won a Hugo Award for "Best All-Time Series" in 1966, with a retrospective Hugo Award also being given to this book in 2018.
