Forward the Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Larry McKeever

Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Here, from a grand master of science fiction, is the long-awaited final novel of the greatest science-fiction series ever told. Completed just before his death, Forward the Foundation is the crowning achievement of a great writer’s life, a stirring testament to the creative genius of Isaac Asimov.

As Hari Seldon struggles to perfect his revolutionary theory of psychohistory and ensure a place for humanity among the stars, the great Galactic Empire totters on the brink of apocalyptic collapse. Caught in the maelstrom are Seldon and all he holds dear, pawns in the struggle for dominance. Whoever can control Seldon will control psychohistory - and with it the future of the galaxy.

Among those seeking to turn psychohistory into the greatest weapon known to man are a populist political demagogue, the weak-willed Emperor Cleon I, and a ruthless militaristic general. In his last act of service to humankind, Hari Seldon must somehow save his life’s work from their grasp as he searches for its true heirs - a search that begins with his own granddaughter and the dream of a new Foundation.

Listen to all of Isaac Asimov's Foundation series, including (in chronological order):

Prelude to FoundationForward the FoundationFoundationFoundation and Empire Second FoundationFoundation's EdgeFoundation and Earth

©1993 Nightfall, Inc (P)2011 Random House Audio

great story, not very good reading

I loved the story, but the narration was so robotic there were times it was difficult to continue listening.

Machine reader

Only at beginning of this book, but it sounds like a machine is reading it. Every word has the same abrupt cut off and ends with the same inflection. Every repeat of the same word sounds exactly the same, regardless of sentence structure and context! It would be a challenge to a human speaker to read aloud this way. Very disappointed!!

Listen at 1.25 speed-Great Story,Boring Narrator

Great book, but not well narrated. The narrator reads very slow, and isn't too dynamic. I had to restart listening to this book several times, but then realized that he sounds normal if sped up.

Good story but narration is slow and dry

I really enjoyed the story found in Forward the Foundation. I listened to books in order of publication as opposed to the the chronological order. I recommend listeners follow this order, or it might spoil the ending to Foundation and Earth. This is the second book in the foundation series that is not narrated by Scott Brick. It is extremely painful to listen to at normal speed. I recommend listening to it at 1.3-1.4x speed to make it tolerable.

a classic

a classic. great story by a great author. well read by a good narrator.

Great story

The story is great, but the reading is like listening to a robot. If you know the story that makes sense in a way, but does not make it easier to listen to.

Great story

... the storyteller for prelude was better though... still worth the purchase though, audible should get it re-recorded

W.T.F

the worst reading of a great novel ever. almost ruined the story. no vocal talent

Excellent Story!!

This ties the whole series together. It is well read and I encourage you to enjoy it!!

Isaac Asimov was a genius!

74 yo, eyes weakening, want audios of my favorites for old age.
(Had read the Foundation novels 3 times over years.)
Bought this audible version 1-2 years ago. First listen was torture, thought I’d never listen again.
Decided to give another try for love of the story. To my great delight, I found that lowering the reading speed to 0.8x made it laid-back relaxing, easy listening. Mr McKeever has a lovely deep melodic voice; just have to slow him down a bit:) Adds some additional listening time as well!
Really enjoyed it this time, even chuckling at Mr. Asimov’s clever humor!