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

One of Asimov’s best.

In my opinion, this is one of Asimov’s best stories. And for me, that’s saying a whole lot. He has been my favorite author since I was a teenager, and is still my favorite in my fifties.
And this story has R Daneel Oliva, who is a character who comes to life in my imagination. Listening to this book is like meeting up with an old and dear friend.
Of course, the story also has a great plot, many wonderful characters, and the well put together world of all of Asimov’s stories. It also brings out some of the flaws that hide in our own society for those who are willing to see. And some of the flaws that brought about the breakup of the USSR are also pinpointed in a subtle manner.
I recommend this book for all adults.

Wonderful

This first prequel was much more satisfying then the last book of the series (#7). The ending of this book surprised me a little, which is nice. I'm really looking forward to finishing the series with book #2 next. Somehow, starting with "Foundation" and ending with the prequels seems to have worked best. Knowing the ending didn't ruin this book for me.

Great Listen!

really enjoyed the return to Scott Brick. One of my favorite narrators on audible. loved the back story in this one to how it all started and enjoyed the twists!

Fantastic story teller

Holds true to hero archetypes. The use of language to promote a calm logical and respectful demeanor is something that is sorely missing today. Appreciate the story is set 20K years in the future but much of the story is applicable today.

The story continues

This was a great book and it keeps up with previous story lines started in the robot and empire series.

Great performance!!

This is a Great book but also read very well
I enjoyed this very much - thank you

Brilliant story and dialogues

This was the 4th Foundation book I read and I feel more and more passionate about Asimov’s works. This book is intellectually stimulating and highly engaging, even for a non-fiction reader. The movie does not even come close to the quality of the dialogues and their emotional impact. I highly recommend it.

Loved it.

I've heard a different version of this but this is the better. Excellent read. The story and performance are both superior.

Interesting take on future society

What was one of the most memorable moments of Prelude to Foundation?

Knife fight

Any additional comments?

The most interesting part of the book was how Assimov created different societies on the same planet. Most sci-fi books have the occupants of an alien world as one grand unified society, whereas Assimov makes Trantor more like Earth. Several different "sectors", basically countries, with different beliefs, values, ethnic traits, etc.

Perhaps the greatest space opera of all time.

The Foundation series by Isaac Asimov is perhaps the single greatest space opera of all time. Star Wars, as great as it is, is but a pale imitation.