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Foundation

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Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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About this listen

 The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. But only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future—to a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation.

The Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are among the most influential in the history of science fiction, celebrated for their unique blend of breathtaking action, daring ideas, and extensive worldbuilding. In Foundation, Asimov has written a timely and timeless novel of the best—and worst—that lies in humanity, and the power of even a few courageous souls to shine a light in a universe of darkness. Classics Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Opera Interstellar Star Wars Robotics Fiction

Continue the series
Second Foundation cover art
Second Foundation By: Isaac Asimov

Critic reviews

Praise for Isaac Asimov and his Foundation series

“A true polymath, a superb rationalist, an exciting and accessible writer in both fiction and nonfiction, Isaac Asimov was simply a master of all he surveyed.”—Greg Bear

“Asimov served wondrous meals-of-the-mind to a civilization that was starved for clear thinking about the future. To this day, his visions spice our ongoing dinner-table conversation about human destiny.”—David Brin

“Isaac was still in his teens when I met him, a fan of mine before I was a fan of his. Writing for John W. Campbell back in the famous ‘golden age of science fiction,’ he became one of the founders of our field. With the Robot stories and the Foundation stories, he helped to shape science fiction as we know it.”—Jack Williamson

“I grew up on the ABC’s of science fiction—Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke. There’s a reason Asimov’s name comes first, and not just because of the alphabet!”—Janis Ian

“With his fertile imagination, his wit, and his prolific output, Isaac Asimov truly laid the foundation for all future generations of science fiction writers.”—Kevin J. Anderson

“If anything can be said to have been the launch pad for space-age science fiction, it has to be the Foundation trilogy. It’s a classic. And it’s unforgettable.”—Jack McDevitt

“The Foundation series is one of the masterpieces of science fiction. If you’ve never read these novels, then you’re in for a treat, and even if you’ve already read them, then you owe it to yourself to reread them, because they’re still great.”—Allen Steele

“Quite simply, Asimov got me started.”—Liz Williams

“Asimov’s Foundation trilogy was the pivotal touchstone of my life in creative fiction. His vision and scope spanned the galaxy across eons, and at the same time he told deeply personal stories of living characters. The writer I am sprang from the boy that these books touched back then. They continue to move me still. Thank you, Isaac, for opening my mind and my life to the possible.”—Tracy Hickman

“I’m sure there will be more Foundation stories, and more robot stories, and more science-fictional mysteries, because those are Isaac’s legacies to us. But reading them won’t be quite the same. There was only one Isaac Asimov; there will never be another.”—Mike Resnick
All stars
Most relevant
I love this book. I read it as a child. So every glitch in the story telling is so frustrating! Scott Brick is great. His performance is brilliant. The characterization is gently and well delivered. So what is the problem?
Edit faults? Glitches? Splicing errors? I don't know what they are but they are there. The first is at 58 seconds. The second at 1:24. Third at 1:41 and I stopped counting at chapter 5, 45 seconds in.
If you can not let that effect your enjoyment, this will be a great listen.

Hugely frustrating, for such an epic book

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an excellent classic sci-fi that not only doesn't feel dated, but still captivates imagination. and the best part for me that it isn't too superhero like that you would get tired of the characters. can't wait to start second book.

brilliant piece of sci-fi

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I have read and listened to this entire series more times than I can count, and this first book is still brilliant every time!

Classic

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Is there anything you would change about this book?

It's a book that is very much of it's time. There were no characters that I felt any sympathy with... it lacks the humanity found in Iain M Banks "Culture" books, or William Gibsons work. I didn't really care for anyone.

If you’ve listened to books by Isaac Asimov before, how does this one compare?

I haven't.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favourite?

None - but Brick did his best with what he had to work with. The conversations and dominance of the Foundation were well played out and compelling.

Could you see Foundation being made into a movie or a TV series? Who would the stars be?

Unless huge liberties were taken with the source material, I can't imagine this being made into a series.

I suppose you could cast the thin geeky guy from The Big Bang theory as many of the Foundation characters.

Any additional comments?

Just above "Meh" for me I'm afraid. Brick was good, but I wasn't enamoured with Asimov.

Asimov sounds disappointingly dated.

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Having loved it as a child I wanted to revisit it. To my surprise, it was a little slow to get into, but after persevering it built up interest over time and I was quite gripped by the final section.

A classic, worth perseverance

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