I’ve heard the adaptation is not faithful in the slightest, but having not read the source material I wouldn’t know. On the one hand though, I thought this might be a blessing because the series has ignited an interest in me to read the books and if they’re greatly different then they should still read pretty fresh for me but obviously on the other hand if the series is what ignited the interest then probably what I found engaging is not the same thing I’d find in those books.
What are they like and would I still get as much out of them if I hadn’t first watched the adaptation?
I gave up towards the end of the first season of Foundation. It is radically different than the book series in really fundamental ways. I think it was a bad sign that the parts of the show I was most invested in are completely invented for the show, while the parts supposedly adapting the book plots were really terribly bad both as adaptions and taken on their own.
What are they like and would I still get as much out of them if I hadn’t first watched the adaptation?
The books are great. I read them in middle school, and they aren’t nearly as intimidating as they seem. They deal with some big concepts, but are much more manageable to get through than something like Dune. I would describe each book has having a central thesis, with each sequel book being a twist on the previous book’s. I consider the original three books to be the “real” books, with the later being written years later under duress from fans and publishers. Still good, but I don’t think they were part of the original vision.
under duress from fans and publishers
The books are classic. The three “original” books are actually a compendium of short stories.
What might be slightly jarring is that they were written in the 50’s, so some of the ridiculously advanced technology and some of the shocking social changes are dated.
They are a very easy read, give them a go!
That’s right, the TV show has practically nothing to do with the books other than some character and place names and the general idea of a declining emprire and its emerging remote colony.
The first two books are really great, but I feel the quality starts dropping at the third, but the series is pretty good as a whole (never got to reading Forward the Foundation though). Asimov’s writing is a bit cringe sometimes, especially about women and children (although there are some strong female characters).
That’s right, the TV show has practically nothing to do with the books other than some character and place names and the general idea of a declining emprire and its emerging remote colony.
I decided to not watch the Foundation series because I was worried that the concept would be butchered. I watched Man in the High Castle (based on Philip K. Dick) with very high expectations. Dropped it after the first episode. The book was strange, dark and psychedelic. It was clear that the series was not made in the spirit of the book.
I guess its a good thing that I decided to skip the Foundation series.
The books and the show have very little to do with each other but both are worth consuming. I haven’t read the books in 20 years, and I love the show.
Books are always better than TV
Nothing spoils books!
Except being dropped in a spa pool. Thanks Dave, you colossal jerk.
Aha! But my ebook reader is waterproof! Checkmate, Dave! (Probably still a jerk)
Once I was reading a book in a hot tub, only to see a spider crawling towards me immediately above the water line. I instinctively swatted it away, forgetting that I was already using the swatting hand to hold a book.
The book splashed in the water as I moved my hand, but the book in question was American Assassin. In my mind, making it unreadable was an improvement rather than spoilage.
God damnit Dave
