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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

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

What made the experience of listening to Foundation the most enjoyable?

For me the narrator seemed just to fit the part and his voice (Unlike many others) did not intrude into the story line

What was one of the most memorable moments of Foundation?

Just griping from start to finish

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances? How does this one compare?

Not yet

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This question seemes to paraphrase the question before last "What was one of the most memorable moments of Foundation"? so I refer to that answer

Any additional comments?

Asimovs depth of story line and characters have such relevance and a great understanding of our own society. The Foundation Trilogy could be said to almost explain some of the theories of Karl Marxy. Any one who reads the Foundation should without doubt get the rest of the Trilogy

asimov at his best

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Truly a classic of the genre. A story that manages to be both grandiose and intricate.

The audio format doesn't lend itself too well however. The change of sections can be jarring and the book does not ease the reader into newly introduced characters. Once it gets going I found it gripping though.

Classic Sci-fi but the short story format can be hard to follow

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Asimov knew nothing of the Internet and the pervasiveness of computers in society now and it's likely impact in the future
Technology in the story is seen through the lens of the 50s nuclear age where people smoke and expect women to be tied to the kitchen.
Hard to ignore these aspects of the storyline but the political intrigue kept me going to the end

Good story spoiled by outdated predictions of the future

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There are some jumps in the early chapters which are annoying but it's well read

Some jumps in recording

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A classic of the genre; Mr Brick's narration breathes life into a work notorious for its long conversations, dozens of characters and political intrigue.

Classic science fiction, extremely well read.

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