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

Asimov is just the best

Finished the book in two weeks. The fastest I got. It's absolutely impressive! You simply can't get away from the story!

intelligent, expansive, but taxing

the scope and idea are exceptional; the story and the narrator are compelling sometimes, and other times require patience.

Less excitement, more philosophy

Any additional comments?

This book was great, but unless you're familiar with science fiction I would warn you that it is not the type of science fiction that you'd see in a Hollywood blockbuster. It is far less action-packed than most stories, but it is none-the-less a very full story.

Enduring sci fi classic

Great story, holds up well in 66 years of print. Scott Brick is of course a superb narrator. Highly enjoyable.

An insightful work of fiction

... which provides insight into the workings of our socio-economic structures and systems. A great read.

Makes other books pale in comparison

I spend my work week deep in audiobooks. This is one of the best stories I've listened to in a very long time.

Great Food For Thought From a Sci-fi Classic

The performance for the novel is very well done, the the characters aren't given much difference in style but the characters themselves seem to be almost more functionary in purpose than anything else so it isn't all that bothersome. The overall story is quite interesting and still provides many thought provoking ideas even after dozens have modeled their subsequent stories after this one. Interestingly, in my opinion, it's actually fairly low on the science aspect and could easily be fitted towards a broader genre with some search and replace terminology. Although it loses some of it's momentum towards the end, it was a very enjoyable experience that I very much recommend.

A great story at the time of publish

It is a great story at the time of publish. A book that is probably better read than listened, for me anyway.

Loved it.

I know that Asimov's work is considered classic, but I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the story.

Solid performance of Asimov's sci-fi classic

A "foundational" contribution to the sci-fi genre, Asimov's series-opener is as enjoyable now as it was when it first appeared nearly seventy years ago. Nearlyvall subsequent sci-fi work featuring a galactic empire is in one way or another influenced by Asimov.