Prelude to Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Scott Brick

Length: 14 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

This daring story of humanity’s future introduces one of the great masterworks of science fiction: the Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov. Unsurpassed for their unique blend of nonstop action, bold ideas, and extensive world-building, they chronicle the struggle of a courageous group of people to save civilization from a relentless tide of darkness and violence - beginning with one exceptional man.

It is the year 12,020 GE and Emperor Cleon I sits uneasily on the Imperial throne of Trantor. Here in the great multidomed capital of the Galactic Empire, 40 billion people have created a civilization of unimaginable technological and cultural complexity. Yet Cleon knows there are those who would see him fall - those whom he would destroy if only he could read the future.

Hari Seldon has come to Trantor to deliver his paper on psychohistory, his remarkable theory of prediction. Little does the young Outworld mathematician know that he has already sealed his fate and the fate of humanity. For Hari possesses the prophetic power that makes him the most wanted man in the Empire...the man who holds the key to the future - an apocalyptic power to be known forever after as the 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

©1988 Isaac Asimov (P)2011 Random House

Great Overall

This is a great sci-fi story. First book chronologically in the Foundation series. It was engaging from beginning to end. The narrator was fantastic. I couldn't put this book down, so to speak.

Read it First?

Read this book then Forward to foundation before you read the sequel before diving into the original Asimov series.

Or not, many people would start with Foundation

prefer scott brick to larry mckeever

I wish all the foundation books had been narrated by Scott Brick. It is much easier to enjoy the story than books with Larry Mckeever.

Asimov is eternal

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes but only as part of the series

What other book might you compare Prelude to Foundation to and why?

This is part of a series that can be a short (Foundation) series, or a much longer one if you start at I Robot.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Nothing, it's just easier to find time to listen than to read

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

No

Loved it

I wouldn't read it as the first in the series . The narrator took a little getting used to but was good after a little while.

No doubt the greatest Science Fiction writer

The greatest science fiction writer of all time into infinity and beyond. May God rest his soul

Asimov & Brick: a BRILLIANT combination!

And it has been a *most* satisfying listen to reconnect to one of the greatest series written!

Scott Brick reads Isaac Asimov

My favorite sci-fi author, read by my favorite audiobook reader (he also read Atlas Shrugged). I think it works best if you read the trilogy first and then the prequels, but that may be a matter of taste. Either way, I highly recommend this and the other Foundation books.

Just amazing! Mind blown.

What an amazingly written book. And before it’s time. Absolutely loved the in depth debating between all the characters. It allowed you to really get an idea of each of theirs personality’s. There are many authors that try to explain the surroundings or characters and fail. It makes you feel more of a description or blueprint. But not Asimov. He did it beautifully. He helped you create the world around you and dive. In to the next.

It lives up to its reputation

I've heard so much about this book. I'm very happy to have listened to it:) scott brick did an amazing job!! My dad and uncles have praised both isaac asimov's imagination and writing abilities, and the book did not let me down. I saw the 1st twist but not the following ones. this book can stand alone, but I'm happy there are sequels. one thing that threw me off was the introductions to new chapters... the encyclopedia excerpts. idk if I should call them forshadowings or past records, but who are they for? i cant wait to start the next one!