Foundation and Empire

"Foundation and Empire" is a science fiction novel by Isaac Asimov, part of his larger Foundation series. It explores the fall of a Galactic Empire and the rise of a foundation meant to preserve knowledge and culture. The story is divided into two parts: the first focuses on the struggles of the Foundation against external threats, while the second deals with the internal challenges posed by a powerful mutant, the Mule, who disrupts the Foundation's plans. The novel examines themes of history, power, and the unpredictability of human behavior, illustrating the complexities of societal change.