Prelude to Foundation Audiobook By Isaac Asimov cover art

Prelude to Foundation

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Prelude to Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: Scott Brick
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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 Classics Fiction First Contact Hard Science Fiction Science Fiction Space Exploration Space Opera Interstellar Destiny
Fascinating Plot Twists • Engaging Character Development • Brilliant World-building • Intriguing Cultural Exploration

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The start of psychohistory. The plot is a chase away from an enemy and an ally with a secret identity. The cultures of Trantor are interesting.

solid tale

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

The performance is top notch - very engaging. The story (which I was not familiar with in advance) is quite good if perhaps a little light on character backstory/development but the plot and setting/imagery is outstanding.

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

The reveal of the shocker at the climax - I didn't see it coming.

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

His voicings of the characters convey a wide range of emotions (more than the text alone could) without devolving into cartoonishness.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I actually laughed out loud as I was driving (alone) when the shocker was revealed during the climax.

Any additional comments?

Looking forward to the rest of the Foundation series!

a well told tale told well

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I love The Foundation Series. there is so much more that Asimov could have written yet he wrote over 450 works. I highly recommend that anyone who loves Science fiction read the Foundation series

Wonderful Series

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It has been many many years since I read the Foundation trilogy. I had not gotten around to reading any or the books beyond the first three. What a pleasure to pick it back up with a brand new beginning!
Great book, wonderful performance. Now on to the rest of the series...

loved my return to the Foundation series

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This was a perfect accompaniment/prelude. Asimov addressed/answered so many matters without making them too obvious. This story was a great journey.

So Many Questions Addressed

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

The story continues

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

Great performance!!

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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.

Brilliant story and dialogues

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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.

One of Asimov’s best.

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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.

Wonderful

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