Foundation's Fear - (Second Foundation Trilogy) by Gregory Benford (Paperback)

About the Book

Isaac Asimov's "Foundation Trilogy" has become an SF classic. Now, HarperPrism continues the legacy with the second "Foundation Trilogy", three new novels written by the brightest stars in contemporary SF. In this first volume, the quiet academic life of Hari Seldon is turned upside down when he is nominated as First Minister by Emperor Cleon. A rousing adventure that combines intellectual debate with the ingenious possibilities of true SF, this novel gives Asimov's greatest creation new life.

Book Synopsis

With the permission - and blessing - of the Asimov estate, three of today's bestselling SF writers, Gregory Benford, Greg Bear, and David Brin, have conspired (like the original Foundation!) to complete the epic saga the beloved Grand Master left unfinished. The Second Foundation Trilogy begins with Gregory Benford's Foundation's Fear, a voyage to the very beginnings of the enterprise itself and of its mysterious founder. Hari Seldon wanted nothing more than to be a mathist, absorbed in the cool precision of numbers. But fate - and a cruel Emperor's arbitrary power - thrust him into the First Ministership of the Empire against his will. As the story opens, Hari is about to leave his quiet professorship and take on the all but impossible task of governing twenty-five million inhabited worlds from the all-steel planet of Trantor. With the help of his beautiful bio-engineered "wife" Dors and his protege Yugo, Seldon is still developing the science that will transform history, never dreaming that it will ultimately put him against future history's most awesome threat.

From the Back Cover

Isaac Asimov's Foundation Trilogy is one of the high-water marks of science fiction. It is the monumental story of a Galactic Empire in decline, and the secret society of scientists who seek to shorten the inevitable Dark Age with the science of psychohistory. Now, with the permission -- and blessing -- of the Asimov estate, the epic saga continues.

Fate -- and a cruel Emperor's arbitrary power -- have thrust Hari Seldon into the First Ministership of the Empire against his will. As the story opens, Hari is about to leave his quiet professorship and take on the all but impossible task of administering 25 million inhabited worlds from the all-steel planet of Trantor. With the help of his beautiful bio-engineered "wife" Dors and his alien companion Yugo, Seldon is still developing the science that will transform history, never dreaming that it will ultimately pit him against future history's most awesome threat.

Review Quotes

"[Benford] brings out the complexities of a galactic empire that Asimov never filled out..the first book stands well on its own.""-- Denver Post "[Benford] took on the huge task of answering questions [raised in the original], and difficult as it may sound, he pulled it off with style...Rest assured, Asimov's work is in good hands." -- Craig E. Engler Editor and Publisher of "Science Fiction Weekly "A richly rewarding delight.Benford writes up to his usual high standard and excels in bringing Asimovian concepts.to vivid, visually compelling life.""-- Publishers Weekly (starred review) "Intriguing and engrossing.[a] curious blend of reinventions and retrospective criticism." -- "Kirkus Reviews (starred review)