Prelude to Foundation is a science fiction novel by Isaac Asimov, part of the Foundation series. The story serves as a prequel to the original trilogy, exploring the early days of the Galactic Empire and the beginnings of psychohistory, a scientific discipline capable of predicting the future on a grand scale. The protagonist, Hari Seldon, is a mathematician who develops this theory and faces significant political and personal challenges as he attempts to guide the future of humanity. This gripping narrative delves into themes of power, knowledge, and the impact of individual choices on societal outcomes.