Yes, it does seem rather insistent on us having a miserable time together.

[ To say the least, Gilgamesh was hardly impressed. It's not the first entity that has wished the same on others.

He too will remain blissfully unaware of the true scene that lies beyond the windows, which seemed to be filtered through illusionary magic. ]

It depends on your definition of useful. There's a note with a date of August 1922 with some mundane tasks listed, clothing, a book about Sherlock Holmes and his misadventures, and a Foundation member's boots.