Foundation (Apple Series Tie-in Edition)

By: Isaac Asimov

Narrated by: Scott Brick

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

THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read

For twelve thousand 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.

Critic reviews

Praise for Isaac Asimov and his Foundation series

“A true polymath, a superb rationalist, an exciting and accessible writer in both fiction and nonfiction, Isaac Asimov was simply a master of all he surveyed.”—Greg Bear

“Asimov served wondrous meals-of-the-mind to a civilization that was starved for clear thinking about the future. To this day, his visions spice our ongoing dinner-table conversation about human destiny.”—David Brin

“Isaac was still in his teens when I met him, a fan of mine before I was a fan of his. Writing for John W. Campbell back in the famous ‘golden age of science fiction,’ he became one of the founders of our field. With the Robot stories and the Foundation stories, he helped to shape science fiction as we know it.”—Jack Williamson

“I grew up on the ABC’s of science fiction—Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke. There’s a reason Asimov’s name comes first, and not just because of the alphabet!”—Janis Ian

“With his fertile imagination, his wit, and his prolific output, Isaac Asimov truly laid the foundation for all future generations of science fiction writers.”—Kevin J. Anderson

“If anything can be said to have been the launch pad for space-age science fiction, it has to be the Foundation trilogy. It’s a classic. And it’s unforgettable.”—Jack McDevitt

“The Foundation series is one of the masterpieces of science fiction. If you’ve never read these novels, then you’re in for a treat, and even if you’ve already read them, then you owe it to yourself to reread them, because they’re still great.”—Allen Steele

“Quite simply, Asimov got me started.”—Liz Williams

“Asimov’s Foundation trilogy was the pivotal touchstone of my life in creative fiction. His vision and scope spanned the galaxy across eons, and at the same time he told deeply personal stories of living characters. The writer I am sprang from the boy that these books touched back then. They continue to move me still. Thank you, Isaac, for opening my mind and my life to the possible.”—Tracy Hickman

“I’m sure there will be more Foundation stories, and more robot stories, and more science-fictional mysteries, because those are Isaac’s legacies to us. But reading them won’t be quite the same. There was only one Isaac Asimov; there will never be another.”—Mike Resnick

Performance issues

Unfortunately Scott Brick reads it as a mexican soap opera. Every character has the same over the top overly dramatic tone, announcing every sentence with voice trembling falsettos.

Audible Changed My Cover Art

I’m a fan of Asimov’s Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. I routinely return to the series to re-listen. Unfortunately, the cover art was changed. I did not like the Apple interpretation of Foundation. I never bought the Apple Series Tie-in Edition. Nevertheless, I now have that edition. The change happened without my knowledge or consent. I feel as if my property was stolen.

The TV show failed this book

It hurts my soul to come back here and see so many 1 star commentaries about how this book is not like the Apple TV show and that's why it's bad or because it's about how another white man does something. You need to remember that when this book was written Apple wasn't even an idea in someone's head and the comparison is not a valid criticism of the book. There is a reason why this is considered a classic. The first galactic empire comes from this series. This is a book of it's times and people reading it are expecting it to be written like it was today. Open your mind and read it with the wonder people read it almost 80 years ago when it first came out.

Still the best & most important sci-fi series

Anyone who likes science fiction has to read (or listen to) The Foundation Trilogy--once at a minimum. I read it twice, decades ago; don't have much time for reading now; but drive a lot, so decided to listen to it.

It's fast-paced, rich with plot, and well-structured. Character development is entirely through words & deeds; there are no lengthy paragraphs of description.

Scott Brick is the narrator. He also did the version of Atlas Shrugged that I listened to. He's pretty good. His style allows the listener to realize that there were some similarities in Asimov's and Rand's styles.

For anyone who doesn't have the time to read the book, I unhesitatingly recommend this audiobook.

Yes

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