Academy. Beginning Series Foundation, cycle "Galactic History" -7

Two novels that precede the main trilogy "Academy" by Isaac Asimov. Young scientist Hari Seldon discovers algorithms that allow for the mathematical prediction of social development. He calls it psychohistory. For Emperor Gene I, psychohistory is the ability to predict... and guide the development of his Galactic Empire. That is why Seldon, as the chief theorist of psychohistory, becomes the most wanted man in the colonized universe. He must not only create the Academy but also prevent a political crisis that nearly collapsed the Galactic Empire. "An epic tale of the rise and fall of a galactic empire of the future." — IO9 "An amazing story of how knowledge—understanding the functioning of our society—can change history and make the world better." — THE GUARDIAN "The novel shows Asimov himself, embodied in Seldon. The immense intellect and interest of the psychohistorian, his concern for the future of science in dark times, his disappointment in the face of death—all these resonate particularly sharply and truthfully." — PUBLISHERS WEEKLY "An engaging portrait of a unique man against the backdrop of the rise and fall of a galactic empire." — LIBRARY JOURNAL "A touching farewell to a great science fiction writer." — KIRKUS REVIEWS