The Currents of Space
by Isaac Asimov
The Currents of Space (1952) follows an amnesiac scientist on the planet Florina who once possessed crucial knowledge about a galactic catastrophe. Set against a backdrop of planetary exploitation and class struggle within the rising Trantorian Empire.
Published
1952
Pages
191
Pub. Order
#14
Chron. Order
#7
Synopsis
Rik, a man stripped of his memories, slowly recovers and realizes he once possessed critical information: the carbon currents of space are going to make Florina's sun go nova, destroying the planet. Florina is economically enslaved by the planet Sark, which monopolizes its valuable kyrt fiber production.
The novel combines mystery (recovering Rik's memories) with political intrigue (the exploitation of Florina) and science fiction (the stellar catastrophe). Trantor, the future capital of the Galactic Empire, appears as a rising power.
Key Themes
Historical Context & Writing Background
Published in 1952, this is the middle novel of the Empire series chronologically. It deals with themes of economic exploitation and colonialism that were ahead of their time in science fiction. The presence of Trantor as a rising power connects it to the Foundation timeline.
Critical Reception
Better received than The Stars, Like Dust, with critics praising its social commentary and mystery elements. The portrayal of Florina's economic exploitation is seen as a commentary on colonialism.
Connection to Asimov's Universe
The appearance of Trantor as a growing imperial power helps establish the timeline leading to the Galactic Empire of the Foundation series. The novel takes place thousands of years before Hari Seldon.
Read more on WikipediaFrequently Asked Questions About The Currents of Space
Where does The Currents of Space fit in Asimov's timeline?
The Currents of Space is set during the early expansion of the Trantorian Republic, thousands of years before it becomes the Galactic Empire. It is chronologically the second of the three Empire novels and approximately 15,000 years before the events of Foundation.