Being the first volume of
The Foundation Series, it is also one of two prequels to the
Foundation Trilogy. For the first time
Isaac Asimov chronicles the life of
Hari Seldon, the man who laid the framework for the grandest project humanity has ever attempted. The story takes place on
Trantor during the reign of
Emperor Cleon I[?]. Hari is pursued by powerful enemies and the future of
Psychohistory is at risk.