Classic Science Fiction discussion

Isaac Asimov was arguably the most prolific writer of science fiction and science fact in the 50s and 60s. His best known work of fiction are perhaps the Foundation trilogy and the short story Nightfall. Asimov introduced the concept of hard SF where the fictionalized science has some reference basis (or foundation, if you must), and builds upon a logical sequence. He did this at a time when the prevalent form of SF were serialized novellas in the pulp magazine Astounding.
Foundation became a victim of serialitis with a series of sequels that followed the original trilogy. But the story concept was unique and influenced many future writers an scientists.
I found Foundation at the school library in a well-thumbed volume, and soon consumed the second and third volumes as well. I am not ashamed to confess that I believed there was a real science of psychohistory, and even when I discovered there really wasn't, that one day there would be.

I first heard it serialised on the radio, but then bought the books.
There is a very 'decline and fall of the Roman Empire' feel to it, but with the Foundation and the second Foundation being installed to short circuit the decline.

But yes, a good book and one that I bought for my daughter as a birthday present ;-)