/lit/ - Literature

>>19546613
The Mule.

>>9030669
> What's the one book everyone should read by Asimov, ...

The Foundation trilogy, taken as a whole, is only a little longer than a single volume of some other truly hefty series. If you're feeling parsimonious with your time then the answer to your question is to read the second book in the trilogy: "Foundation and Empire." There's a quick synopsis as a sort of prologue, an occasional encyclopedia blurb drive-by, and at least one scene per story arc with the characters picking apart the nature of their current dilemma. Asimov repeats this formula across all the books in the series (and not just the trilogy). You won't be lost, even by jumping into the middle. So, why F&E in particular?

The first part is basically about the late, great, late Roman empire tripping over a cute clutch of vigorous and dynamic Greek city states. States that are in desperate need of being stomped flat, just because. Leading the charge to do just that is a right and honorable Erwin Rommel look alike. It makes for a decent tale, but its worth is to be found in getting yourself sufficiently prepared for part two.

If you are an aficionado of fantasy featuring a mysterious, vague, featureless, spooky action from a distance Dark Lord, part two will be to your liking. Asimov's take on this trope is no work of awe inspiring genius, but can be surprisingly satisfying.