This is the last, and in my opinion, one of the best novels written by the author. It tells the life story of the pivotal character of Asimov's "Foundation" series, Hari Seldon, who lives at the heart of a galactic empire about to enter into a period of great decline. Asimov presents this character in such a strong and compelling way; in part because of his lifetime of writing experience, but also because in many ways Seldon is his alter ego. I felt a lot of emotion as I read this final novel by a master of science fiction. I see this book as a wonderful form of self-eulogy by an author beloved by generations of science fiction fans.