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The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) Reading Order.

Expert Guideby Isaac Asimov
3 Entries
Ongoing
Quick Answer

Start The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) by Isaac Asimov with "Foundation", then follow the publication sequence. This order preserves the intended narrative twists and world-building progression.

The core trilogy detailing the work of Hari Seldon and the establishment of the Foundation to shorten the Galactic Empire's dark age.

Official Verdict

Short Answer:
Start with "Foundation"

To experience the narrative as intended, read the main sequence in Publication Order.Ignore novellas and side stories until you finish the first 3 core novels. This resolves all timeline confusion and preserves every major twist.

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Community Consensus

Medium Debate

"The overwhelming consensus is that readers should begin with the Original Foundation Trilogy (Foundation, Foundation and Empire, Second Foundation). This allows readers to experience the core story as it was first published. If the reader wishes to continue, the community advice splits, mainly favoring either continuing in strict publication order (sequels then prequels) or adopting a hybrid order that integrates the earlier-timeline books (Robots and Empire) before tackling the later Foundation additions."

Key Reddit Advice

Start with the Original Foundation Trilogy.

Why This Order Is Confusing

Many reading lists for The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.

Can I skip the short stories?

Technically yes, but we strongly advise against it for The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy). The shorter volumes often establish the core character motivations and world-building that the main saga assumes you already know.

I watched the show/movie first — where should I start?

Ignore the screen adaptations' timeline. Start with "Foundation" to see the original depth of the world. The books offer a significantly different (and usually more complete) experience than the on-screen versions.

Why do people disagree on the order?

Disagreement usually stems from the conflict between purely chronological order and publication order. Most long-term fans recommend publication order to preserve the emotional arc and mystery reveals.

Curator's Strategy

Recommended Reading Order Strategy

The authoritative way to read the "The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy)" series is in Publication Order. Start with the first published book. It's the way the author intended the world to be revealed.This ensures you experience character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.

Start with "Foundation"Explore all by Isaac Asimov

Complete Series Reading Order

Publication Order

Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended. Compare →

Chronological Order

May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for fans. Compare →

Publication Reading Order3 Titles

Why Publication Order?We recommend reading in Publication Order (default). This follows the author's release schedule, ensuring you experience plot twists, character growth, and world-building exactly as intended without spoilers.
Best Start Here
1

Foundation

Pub: 1951★ 5

A story of a Galactic Empire of the future and its successor in the government of the Milky Way.

2

Foundation and Empire

Pub: 1952

Plot details hidden until you finish "Foundation".

3

Second Foundation

Pub: 1953★ 3.5

Plot details hidden until you finish "Foundation and Empire".

The third novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION The Foundation lies in ruins—destroyed by a mutant mind bent on humanity’s annihilation. But it’s rumored that there’s a Second Foundation hidden somewhere at the end of the Galaxy, established as insurance to preserve the knowledge of mankind. Now a desperate race has begun between the survivors of the First Foundation and an alien entity to find this last flicker of humanity’s shining past—and future hope. Yet the key to it all might be a fourteen-year-old girl burdened with a terrible secret. Is she the Foundation’s savior—or its deadliest enemy? Unforgettable, thought-provoking, and riveting, Second Foundation is a stunning novel of adventure and ideas writ huge across the Galaxy—a powerful tale of humankind’s struggle to preserve the fragile light of wisdom against the threat of its own dark barbarism.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to skip books in the The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) series?

We recommend ignoring novellas and short stories until you finish the core sequence. However, main sequence novels should never be skipped as they contain critical character development and plot progression.

What is the best order to read The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy)?

The final answer for the best experience is to start with "Foundation" and proceed in publication order. This sequence preserves character developments and plot reveals exactly as Isaac Asimov intended.

Can I read The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) books in any order?

No. The main narrative is strictly sequential. Skipping volumes or reading out of order will lead to significant plot spoilers and confusion regarding character arcs.

Are there spin-offs or companion books?

Yes, the The Foundation Series (Original Trilogy) universe includes several companion works. These are marked as 'Optional' in our guide and can be read at any time without disrupting the main storyline.