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Second Foundation
Copyright 1953 by
Isaac Asimov
I first read this in 1969 and most recently on the 9th February 2003
This novel is really two novellas. In the first part, the Mule sends Han Pritcher
and the "unconverted" Bail Channis on a final attempt to seek out the
Second foundation.
In the second part, citizens of the First Foundation, led by the
precocious Arcadia, strive to identify the
Second Foundation and the latter struggles to protect itself.
Ho Hum.
Well that's not quite fair. The second part is substantially better,
saved by the grace of the delightful Arcadia Darrel. It's a lovely,
old-fashioned little mystery in which the protagonists try to
puzzle out who are the secret Second Foundationers amongst them.
However, it's not exactly weighty stuff.
Overall this series has been a bit of a let-down. "Foundation" was
great, really rather exciting, but now I'm read this third volume - the
furthest I've ever got - and the glitter has faded, as
has my interest (and apparently as had Asimov's).
This is great book for
teenagers, or for young people who are new to SF, or simply for those
who want to read a gentle classic.
Loaded on the 28th February 2003.
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