• Forward the Foundation

  • By: Isaac Asimov
  • Narrated by: Larry McKeever
  • Length: 16 hrs and 10 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (2,799 ratings)

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Forward the Foundation  By  cover art

Forward the Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: Larry McKeever
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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

What listeners say about Forward the Foundation

Average customer ratings
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  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A brilliant, Human Epic tale rivaled by only that of Gilgamesh

For those who love Isaac Asimov there is no need to explain what makes him so brilliant. He is so gentle, descriptive and profound in his ability to transmute the Human experience: Our need for Destiny and Legacy, Heritage, and Connection in a way that transcends the media in which it is shared.

As a Writer and Scholar his work is timeless. Like Forward the Foundation - a much more profoundly deep and somewhat somber and reflective novel than Prelude - He has given Humanity real Hope through the gift of story.

Asimov's gift rivals that of the ancient epic tales of the likes of the Sumerian tale of Gilgamesh. I highly recommend this and anything he writes.

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  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Did a robot read this?

Oh my god that guy's voice work is just awful
What a slog. A terrible slog

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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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  • 03-15-24

Terrible audio recording

I enjoy this series, but this book and the last, Earth, are recorded and produced poorly. Avoid Larry. The other books have much better recordings. I'm disappointed they didn't use that reader for all. I wish I'd paid closer attention before purchasing them.

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  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Larry McKeever is painful to listen to.

I can't finish this book. The narrator is as bland and boring as they come. The narrator for the other books is excellent. Larry reading Asimov is like having your ice cream topped with motor oil.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very interesting book

The story was told well, although it seemed to take a while to come together.
Once it did was when I understood the depth of the book.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great precursor

Great story and I’d recommend, like others, to play this a 1.5 x speed. What a great setup for the later books.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Another atrocious narration

So this is the second Asimov Foundation book I have listened to narrated by McKeever, and as with the first, it was unpleasant. The narration is awkward, stilted and unnatural and detracts significantly from the enjoyment of the book. Especially when compared to Scott Brock’s narration, this is just grating. I had wanted to listen to the Robot books next, but I will check the narrators first and if any of them are McKeever, I will just choose something different and read those in hard copy. Unfortunate.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, narrator sounds like a computer

Really enjoyed this second installment of Foundation. But I’m very glad to see they went back to Scott Brick for #3. This reader often sounds like the automatic reading voice on the computer. By no means ruined it, but not a fan.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    1 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Horrible Narration

It is an insult to everyone that is listening to the Foundation series to have to trudge through listening to a 40's radio broadcaster. At one of the most pivotal points in the story, "no, no, no" was read coldly and unemotionally like an autopsy report in a courtroom. From start to finish, there is zero emotion or inflection to the lifeless reading of this book. I hate the fact that he also narrated the last book in the series and I'll have to live through this pain again.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Reader makes women sound stupid.

Aside from the adolescent chauvinism that makes Asimov very much a man of his time, there are many interesting ideas about politics academia and imperialism in this series. It is a bit shocking how limited is his exploration of culture. But I guess we have Le Guin for that.
The reader Scott Brick has a hard job. But he really needs to work on his ideas of feminine affect. Between him and Asimov the rendering of female characters was a bit nauseating.

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