(Cover for Isaac Asimov’s Foundation, image by Michael Whelan)

Last week we started a rousing, multi-site discussion of Isaac Asimov’s novel, Foundation, which demonstrated that over half a century after its original publication his galaxy-spanning story continues to spark conversation. Today we continue with the discussion covering the second half of Foundation. Please feel free to join in on the conversation regardless of whether you participated in this group read or not.

For my part, this return four years later to a novel I spent much of my life assuming would be too inaccessible to enjoy was a real pleasure. Although I recall the overall arc of events that occurs in the Foundation trilogy, it had been long enough that the specific story elements had alluded my memory and thus the series of vignettes felt fresh. Having just read a few Asimov novels and short story collections I am impressed with the fact that Asimov can tell sweeping, idea driven stories like Foundation and can also tell more intimate stories focused on more humanity-centered issues like he does in stories like The Currents of Space or the stories in I, Robot and that both types are equally effective.

When last we left the stories of the Foundation, Mayor Salvador Hardin was about to take an ill-advised trip to Anacreon, the place most-threatening to the Foundation. A lot happened on that trip and afterwards and it is that part of the story that we discuss below.

Continue reading Foundation Group Read, the Conclusion →

Welcome to the first of a two-part discussion of Isaac Asimov’s novel Foundation. Following are various questions meant to serve as a guide for discussion, followed by my answers to those questions. Group participants were emailed the questions earlier this week and links to their discussion posts will be included at the end. If you are not participating in this specific group read but have read Foundation, please feel free to dive right in to the conversation.

Before getting to the Q&A, allow me to make this public service announcement:

I will be hosting a two-week group read of the second book in the trilogy, Foundation and Empire, beginning January 21st, followed by Second Foundation beginning February 11th. More details will be forthcoming. I hope everyone will consider continuing on with the other two books.

And now, let’s talk about Foundation.

Continue reading Foundation Group Read, Part 1 (of 2) →

“Here’s to crime.”

James “Slippery Jim” diGriz is a master criminal, a stainless steel rat in the wainscoting of society, a society that is becoming increasingly devoid of crime thanks to the successful efforts of the galaxy’s infamous Special Corps. Cocky and self-assured, diGriz goes about his business with rare aplomb, each caper uniquely different so as to stay one step ahead of what passes for the law on whatever planet he happens to find himself located. When a particularly clever theft goes awry, Slippery Jim finds himself a cornered rat in a maze that lands him in the lap of the dreaded Special Corps.

And to make matters worse, the inmates are running the asylum, for the Special Corps is headed by none other than the most famous criminal mastermind ever: Harold Inskipp, aka Inskipp the Uncatchable. Soon DiGriz is presented with an offer he cannot refuse. As the old adage goes, “if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em”.

At any rate, it is better than having your mind wiped.

Continue reading The Stainless Steel Rat ~Harry Harrison →

The Three Laws of Robotics

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey the orders given to it by human beings, except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Laws.

It is the late 21st century and Gerald Martin, Chairman of the Science and Technology Committee, has taken the bold step of procuring a robot servant for his home, a prospect that is still too frightening for the general public. Designated NDR-113 by the manufacturer, United Stated Robots and Mechanical Men, the robot soon comes to be known as “Andrew” courtesy of Gerald Martin’s youngest daughter. Mr. Martin’s situation is doubly unique for he has purchased his robot rather than leasing it. This rare allowance by USRMM will soon become a very critical distinction, for Andrew is not a typical robot. The generalized pathways of his positronic brain are beginning to function in ways unforeseen by his creators. Andrew exhibits creativity and artistic talent. Andrew experiences feelings. Andrew is fond of the various members of the Martin family. And soon Andrew begins to wonder just what it means to actually be human.

Continue reading The Positronic Man ~Isaac Asimov →