Foundation (Apple Series Tie-in Edition)

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

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

The epic saga that inspired the Apple TV+ series Foundation, now streaming. Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read.

For 12,000 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.

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

©1982 Isaac Asimov (P)2010 Random House

Interesting and ground breaking for its time

definitely the forerunner for stories from the likes of Babylon 5, Star Trek Deep Space 9 and and even battlestar Galactica.

Classic sci-fi, dull narration

The Foundation series is a masterwork of science fiction. I read it as a youth and was excited to relive it again as an audio book. But the narration is rather dull, being simply read and not enacted. There is no difference in the voices used and the cadence is like a patient teacher reading to a pupil in a school library after school is out for the day.

Solid Asimov Sci Fi

I wasn't sure what I thought until the second half of the book. Of all the Scott Brick narrated books I have, this is his worst effort. It was often hard to tell which character was speaking. After a great intro, the book started to lull in the middle.

But, the last third of the book was fantastic and by the end, i couldn't wait for the next one! I've loved the I robot books and really, really enjoyed this Foundation book. I highly recommend it!

Start your journey here..

..and may your imagination be forever blessed by Hari Seldon!

I love the Foundation series, that which helped solidify Asimov as the king of all science fiction. It is the start of an intriguing, millennia long, uni-political saga that will leave you enthralled and wanting more. It’s sociological implications that the reader experiences while reading were a reflection of the issues faced during mid 20th century, which can also be seen in today’s world, and will undoubtedly be present in the world of tomorrow. One thing is certain about humanity, we are fickle and predictable beasts who are bound to repeat the follies of our past. Such is life..

Be warned, if you read this book, you will be compelled to read the rest of the series, so save your credits..you’ll need them!

Also and off topic; Scott Brick was excellent, but darn it if he doesn’t exactly sound like Chris Parnell...so I kept seeing his image in my head. This is not a bad thing as unlike the comedian, but I kept thinking..when did Parns get so serious?!?

Good Stuff

Foundation is a classic, and an enjoyable space opera. The exclamations are priceless. "By space!"

surprised to know

this was one of the greatest things I never knew existed. what a beautiful origin.

Great story, bad performance

This story is really compelling, I definitely understand why it’s such a classic. The audio narration made it really difficult to get through…just buy the book

Invoking

I dont want to treat this as a blueprint text, however the complex motivations and dialouge shoukd act in some regard as a blueprint for one to seek the future and maneuver to make it a reality.

My favorite book

This isn't an action based sci-fi but one based off amazing ideas and clever minds. The idea for this book is that a human empire is collapsing and a new mathematics gives Harry Seldon an idea on how to not stop the collapse but shorten the dark ages after its collapse. His idea is the foundation.

very monotonous reading

The story is fine, though not very sophisticated. The reading, however, is not as good as most other audiobooks.