Foundation books in order

There are 7 books in Foundation. The latest, Forward the Foundation, came out in 1982, and Isaac Asimov hasn't announced another one yet.

No new book announced yetLatest book 1982

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Release information last checked 24 October 2026.

Foundation books in order

Book 1
Foundation
1951
Book 2
Foundation and Empire
1952
Book 3
Second Foundation
1952
Book 4
Foundation's Edge
1951
Book 5
Foundation and Earth
1986
Book 6
Prelude to Foundation
1988
Book 7
Forward the Foundation
1982

Companion stories

Companion
Foundation, the Psychohistorians
1994

What Foundation is about

From the description of Foundation, the first book.

One of the great masterworks of science fiction, the Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are unsurpassed for their unique blend of nonstop action, daring ideas, and extensive world-building. The story of our future begins with the history of Foundation and its greatest psychohistorian: Hari Seldon. For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. Only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future--a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save mankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire--both scientists and scholars--and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the Galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation. But soon the fledgling Foundation finds itself at the mercy of corrupt warlords rising in the wake of the receding Empire. And mankind's last best hope is faced with an agonizing choice: submit to the barbarians and live as slaves--or take a stand for freedom and risk total destruction.

Foundation at a glance

Author: Isaac Asimov
Books published: 7
Companion stories: 1
Still to come: None announced yet
First book published: 1951

Questions readers ask

Is there going to be another Foundation book?

Isaac Asimov hasn't announced one yet. If a new Foundation book is announced, AuthorPing will let you know.

How many books are in Foundation?

7 books have been published in Foundation so far, plus 1 companion story.

What order should I read Foundation in?

Read the main books in order: 1. Foundation, 2. Foundation and Empire, 3. Second Foundation, 4. Foundation's Edge, 5. Foundation and Earth, 6. Prelude to Foundation, 7. Forward the Foundation. The 1 companion can be read alongside them.

Is Foundation finished?

Isaac Asimov hasn't announced another Foundation book, so it may be finished. Series do come back, though, and AuthorPing will let you know if a new one is announced.

How will I know when the next Foundation book is announced?

Follow Foundation in AuthorPing, a free app for iPhone and Android. AuthorPing notifies you when a series or author you love has a new book coming out and shows a countdown to every release.

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