Foundation Reading Order

All 7 books in the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov, in the correct order.

← All series Science Fiction Complete

A mathematician predicts the fall of a galactic empire and establishes a foundation to preserve knowledge through the coming dark age.

Reading Order (Publication)

0 of 7 read

Tick a book to mark it read. Your progress is saved on this device.

#1 Foundation (1951)
#2 Foundation and Empire (1952)
#3 Second Foundation (1953)
#4 Foundation's Edge (1982)
#5 Foundation and Earth (1986)
#6 Prelude to Foundation (1988)
#7 Forward the Foundation (1993)

Which order should you read?

Publication order is recommended for first-time readers. Books 6-7 are prequels. The series also connects to Asimov's Robot and Empire novels for a grand unified saga.

Finished the Foundation series?

Get the Read-Alike Method plus curated read-alikes for fans of Isaac Asimov, straight to your inbox. Free.

Keep the reading going

What to Read After... Find Authors Like Isaac Asimov All Series

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct reading order for the Foundation series?

Read the Foundation series by Isaac Asimov in publication order, starting with Foundation (1951) and ending with Forward the Foundation (1993). Publication order is recommended for first-time readers. Books 6-7 are prequels. The series also connects to Asimov's Robot and Empire novels for a grand unified saga.

How many books are in the Foundation series?

There are 7 books in the Foundation series. The series is currently complete.