Foundation series

The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov's epic science fiction work spanning multiple decades of writing and publication. It follows the establishment of the Foundation, a scientific institute created to preserve civilization during the predicted collapse of a galactic empire through the science of psychohistory—a fictional discipline that predicts large-scale historical trends. The series begins with the short story "Foundation" (1942) and expands through multiple novels and collections, exploring themes of technological preservation, social engineering, and the cyclical nature of civilizations.

The original series consists of seven books published between 1951 and 1993, beginning with Foundation (1951) and concluding with Foundation's Edge (1982) and Foundation and Earth (1986). Asimov later wrote additional prequels and sequels. The work profoundly influenced science fiction literature and thinking about long-term civilizational planning, inspiring concepts like existential risk mitigation and technological preservation strategies discussed in contemporary futures discourse.

The series has been adapted into various media, including a recent Apple TV+ series (2021–present), and remains central to discussions of hard science fiction, institutional design, and speculative futures. Its influence extends beyond literature into philosophy, economics, and strategic thinking about humanity's long-term trajectory.