Prelude to Foundation

Overview: A hugely influential classic of Science Fiction written in an approachable and easy style that asks the reader to question the nature of social norms through the medium of a drawn out chase through the world-city capital of a Galactic Empire (Asimov was there before Star Wars by the way).After reading for the 20th time: OK, I've read it 20 times (at least) so I think that is review enough, really - clearly this is a book that still is enjoyable and thought-provoking after 20 reads and nearly three decades (I originally paid for the book in a mountain of saved-up small change. I don't think the cashier liked me).Is this a classic? Yes, for the concepts and ideas that have influenced countless other works.Is this entertaining? Yes, possibly the most entertaining novel out of Asimov's more famous adult-targeted SF. This is a chase/mystery novel which, unlike most of his work, actually has some action scenes. It's not quite Jackie Chan-level, though Mr Chan would make a great Hari Seldon.Is this well-written? Now we come to the rub. The answer is yes and no. Is this a classic of poetic-fiction like the works of [a:Ursula K. Le Guin 874602 Ursula K. Le Guin https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1244291425p2/874602.jpg] or [a:Arkady Martine 13803582 Arkady Martine https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1517495486p2/13803582.jpg] (both of which everyone should read)? Absolutely not. Yet it works. When I read Asimov I feel like I'm sitting in a comfortable chair while a friend with a good sense of humour regales me with a fascinating tale. Asimov has a set number of words to use and he uses them strategically, investing heavily in plot and ideas along with a fine seasoning of well-placed humour, he does not allow excess baggage. You will not find flowery Tolkien-style word-portraits, but you will find it easy to slide into the story and focus on the story and the ideas that are the central point.To put it another way, in writing style this is the mirror opposite of Dune.Will I read it again Yes. Every time I read this book I get something new. This time around I was reminded of the importance of knowing history if you want anything to change, or as the character Dors puts it: “You're naive, Hari. Or not a historian, which is the same thing.”I love this book.