Osama Loves Asimov? Readers Love Jordan?

By: Chris Wyatt
Date: Monday, March 10, 2003

Coincidentally, this week two different questions about Asimov's FOUNDATION series sent us deep into research to come up answers. The first question came from Charles in New York state, who asked about rumors that British TV director Ed Bye (RED DWARF) was developing a BBC mini-series adaptation of what has been called the best science fiction novel of all time.

Not only have I personally never heard that rumor before, Charles, I don't believe there's any basis for it. However, contacts we can't name do confirm that Indian actor-turned-director Shekhar Kapur (ELIZABETH and FOUR FEATHERS) is interested in working on an adaptation.

Kapur's version, however, would not be a mini-series; it would be for the big screen. There's a possibility that one of the writers from THE CORE would be involved, and that the film wouldn't adapt the first FOUNDATION book, but rather would focus on the character of "the Mule" from FOUNDATION AND EMPIRE.

Keep in mind, though that this is all speculation. Anyone who's reading CINESCAPE ONLINE should be savvy enough to realize that all this book-to-film stuff is very volatile.

That being said...would you be interested in seeing FOUNDATION on the silver screen? Or would be afraid of what Hollywood would do with it? (Remember the massive mistake that was BICENTENNIAL MAN?)

Let us know what you think about a possible FOUNDATION film at: CWyatt@cinescape.com.


The other question came from a reader who asked to have his/her name withheld. It was in reference to a connection between the Al-Qaeda terrorist network and the first FOUNDATION novel.

I thought this one was a joke, until I did some net searching and came up something... It turns out that two of the best SF writers working today, Post-cyberpunk God Jack Womack (ELVISSEY) and China Melville (THE SCAR), separately arrived at theories that the Al-Qaeda network was named after FOUNDATION.

It seems that the title of FOUNDATION, which is reportedly an incredibly popular book in the Arab world, is usually translated as "Al Qaeda". Also, the book centers on a small group lead by someone who has predicted the downfall of a powerful, yet decadent empire... which, some point out, could seem similar to the idea of religious terrorists vs. the decadent West. (Still... I don't recall Harry Seldon advocating the slaughter of innocents...)

Interested readers can check out this link: "All Your Base...". This'll take you to an article by Dave Langford of THE FORTEAN TIMES, who sums up the relevant arguments nicely. However, he does claim that the "best supporting evidence" for the theory is that "Osama bin Laden" can be arranged to spell "I am Seldon BA, man." Right... "Evidence"... sure. I bet that would convince a jury...

Could Al-Qaeda be getting inspiration by twisting Asimov? Let us know your thoughts at: CWyatt@cinescape.com.

The last comment in this week's Book Notes comes from Valerie who wants to offer a counterpoint to last week's criticism of Robert Jordan's WHEEL OF TIME novel series. She writes:

"The strange thing about the [WHEEL OF TIME] books is that they are so RE-readable. I know people are upset that the books aren't finished yet and that the last two books did not have a big sweeping battle or new discovery. However, this is one series where we love the minor characters as much as the main characters, and we're as interested in the minor cultures as the main cities... I can easily forgive a little slow plotting in exchange for the incredible richness of the tale..."

Thanks for those comments, Valerie! What does everyone else think about Jordan? Or anyone else you're reading for that matter... Are you reading something you love and want to share? Are you reading something you hate and want to warn others about? Send your book-related questions and comments to: CWyatt@cinescape.com.

Happy reading!

Book Notes is our weekly Books column.