Psychohistorical Crisis

by Donald Kingsbury

Book Overview

A loving homage to Asimov, and dialogue with him - a triumph of galactic-scaled SF that is destined to be recognized as a classic in its own rightEron Osa had faced the ultimate penalty. Not death,... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312861028
• ISBN13: 9780312861025
• Release Date: December 2001
• Publisher: Tor Books
• Length: 511 Pages
• Weight: 1.94 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.7" x 6.5" x 9.6"

Customer Reviews

A TRUE successor to Asimov, The Future of Foundation

This book is a FAR FUTURE look at how things have turned out in the Foundation Universe. It is not sanctioned by Asimov's estate (I have no idea why). This is a shame because this author has the courtesy to actually explore the future of Foundation (as compared to some authors (hint hint nudge nudge) who chose to "Explore Hari Seldon" as a character, something that the Good Doctor did quite comprehensively in Forward the Foundation and Prelude to Foundation and which is quite unnecessary, especially coming from outsiders. As Asimov himself said, Seldon was his alter ego and Bear, Benford and Brin (authors I ctually admire for their other work) really wasted a good opportunity to do something special with this amazing universe :(. I know that all Foundation fans are really dying to know what happens after Foundation and Earth. What mode of governance wins (the Second Foundation, Terminus or Gaia?). The premise of "Psychohistorical Crisis" is that the Second Foundation has won (doesn't say how). In any case, that won me over instantly (I was rooting for it after all ;-). Since it is unofficial, Kingsbury has used different names for everything (planets, kingdoms, people) and so on. You might think that this is awful. However, after all that time, one would expect some distortion in terms of slightly different legends, names, etc. The genius of Kingsbury lies in the fact that he has constructed this universe to the logical evolution of Asimov's universe after several centuries!!! So, if you remember ANY of the original series, you cannot help but understand instantly what places and people he is referring to. As a dedicated Asimov fan, I recommend this book to anyone who was dissatisfied with the "official" second Foundation trilogy and wants the REAL thing. The reason I call Kingsbury a genius is that in his story, he has really addressed the concepts behind psychohistory (it's really a psychohistory novel, rather than a Foundation novel). The REASONS for the name changes are part of his thesis!!! In some sense, the names have merely evolved after the fashion of a centuries-long game of 'Chinese Whispers'!!! (Any more and this would be a spoiler).

Required Reading for Science Fiction Lovers

Hi, I have often browsed book reviews online but have never written one. Until now. Psychohistorical Crisis is a work of surpassing brilliance but it is not for everyone. If you're looking for a quick read, look elsewhere: Donald Kingsbury has decided to immerse you in Isaac Asimov's "Foundation" universe and show you what a galaxy with 100,000 years of history might be like. Any science fiction writer can waves his hands and say "thousands of years," but Kingsbury can make you feel those years. If you're looking for epic space battles, look elsewhere: A character in Asimov's original Foundation trilogy says that violence is the last refuge of the incompetent. This is a galaxy ruled by mathematicians. If you're looking for extensive character development, look elsewhere: To write this novel, Kingsbury did not merely imitate Asimov's style but absorbed it, warts and all. This homage to the Foundation universe is more true to the original than the prequels authorized by the Asimov estate or even the Asimov's own sequels. If you didn't like the Foundation trilogy, look elsewhere: This book is the true inheritor of the Foundation trilogy, though the serial numbers have been filed off. If you haven't read the Foundation trilogy, that's the place to start. Then read Pebble in the Sky. If you have read a Kingsbury book before and didn't like it, look elsewhere: Somehow, Kingsbury has written a book that is true to his own style and themes while being true to those of the original Foundation. Psychohistorical Crisis is a novel of ideas in the tradition of classic science fiction, but is itself an extremely modern book that takes an unflinching and sometimes unflattering look at the ideas implicit in the original Foundation. Each work is very much of its time. I'd love to talk about the themes of Psychohistorical Crisis, but wouldn't it be better for you to read the book for yourself? Psychohistorical Crisis is the true Second Foundation. Anyway, KenK

Far in the distant future . . .

I am a long time science fiction fan and was very impressed by Psychohistorical Crisis. I believe the author creates an amazingly complex view of future civilization, very detailed with interesting characters and technical innovations. It is a mystery novel also, why was the fam of Eron Osa "executed"?, where is Zurnl? What is the relationship of Lord Hahukum to the Pscholars overall strategy for managing the Galaxy?, will the Smythosians succeed in challenging the Pscholars supremacy? Underlying the dense plot,(I'm much in disagreement with other reviewers here), is the mathematical theme, complicated at times, but logically intact and gives the whole a plausible quality, rare in science fiction. I was amused how astrology plays a role in the plot. I don't remember the Foundation trilogy well, I read it in junior high, but this work stands alone, a virtuoso effort. I plan to reread the Foundation. After reading "Crisis" I quickly got a copy of "Courtship Rite" and find it quite unique and imaginative. "Psychohistorical crisis", a great science ficition novel.

An excellent extension to the original...

Killing time before a movie I came across this book while browsing through the SF section. I was intrigued by the concept since the Foundation series certainly stands the test of time with its novel ideas and great story. After just about missing the movie because I couldn't put the book back on the shelf I decided to buy it...Ever come across a book that you really have a hard time putting down? Well, this one has an interesting concept (extending and detailing the psychohistorians sketched by Asimov), good characters and a really well thought out future. Kingsbury's background in mathematics is evident in the manner in which he handles subject within the book (something I think Asimov was missing a bit) and it is also obvious that Kingsbury has some deep insight into chaos and how life rides the knife edge of change, both positive and negative.I particularly enjoyed the sections detailing archeological digs on an ancient earth in addition to his way of not going into massive amounts of description to explain everything. That is, there is willing suspension of disbelief due to his writing skills without the need to try to flout psuedoscientific mumbo-jumbo to beat your brain into submission.The story follows the life of a renegade psychohistorian through his childhood and initial "corruption" by an underground rival group (to the dominant psychohistorians). Kingsbury has some great concepts, particularly "fams" (manufactured neural add-ons), that work very well with his interesting characters and social milleau. He's also obviously familiar with how scholarly institutions work as well as typical student ghettos and hangouts.Enjoy, the only thing lacking with this work is a more catchy title!

Engaging Story in an Excellent Well-Thought Possible Future

I was so fortunate to come across this fascinating book. Imagine that you find yourself appearing before a high court and being sentenced for some terrible crime -- except you can't remember who you are or what you did. And your brain enhancer/ memory keeper/ skills archive that's been with you since you learned to walk has been removed. What's going on?The book combines the hard science of Ben Bova with a good yarn of Orson Scott Card. Written by a mathematician, this book continues in the universe established by Asimov years ago in a thoroughly engaging possible future taking place multiple thousand years from now. If you like Asimov, you'll love this book. If you've never read Asimov or hate him, guess what? You'll still love this book. Be patient in learning this new world. There's a lot of history to master and a few names to remember, but the journey is well worth the effort. Cheers to the author!