The plot is not that great. There are some unnecessary parts, and some unlikely parts. It doesn't make sense to me that the development of a new science could proceed the way Asimov depicts it.

That being said, this book, Asimov's final published work, is a crowning achievement. The character of Hari Seldon is brought to life as a reflection of Asimov himself. Reading this book with the understanding that Seldon is voicing many of Asimov's own thoughts at the end of his life is moving.