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

The original is solid, but…

Their isn’t a female character until the last story. A grand old sausage festival! A solid bit of storytelling even now, but it lacks the modern dynamism of modern character driven stories.

Worth the listen/read, however.

Solid Sci-fi

A great story that reflects actual history in an attempt to give perspective on the macro forces of control, economics, and human nature.

spotty

Good, but there seemed to be several spots where the words stopped before finishing the point.

Somewhat Jaded

Struggled to finish. Presented from position that religion is no more than man made tool to manipulate the masses. Foundation fails to address possibility of a higher power separate and distinct from religion.

Great read

Thoroughly enjoyed this icon of Sci fi!
It holds up now as well as ever. I strongly recommend this for anyone who likes the genre.

Classic Stuff!

What did you love best about Foundation?

Parallels in governments from this story to those of our history start to give you a clue as to how human governments rose to power and faded away. Sometimes you need to hear someone else's story to understand your own.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hari Seldon, the genius that out-thinks everyone for a thousand years.

Have you listened to any of Scott Brick’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Brick does a great job at level story telling. His even and calming reading helps show that while everything is in turmoil the protagonists are in control of the situations and you can feel their confidence of their actions through his voice.

Any additional comments?

Classic Sci Fi born while the world was in total war gives hope that a brighter future can evolve.

Don’t buy, the audio is corrupt

Within the first chapter there are multiple places the audio drops out and jumps ahead. I’ve emailed Amazon about this issue. Other reviewers have noted this too.

Great Classic

It has been almost 40 years since I last read this book. I forgot a lot about it. However, it still remains as one of my favourite classics.

The narrator was good, however, at times I found it hard to distinguish between the characters. The narrator did not provide a different "style" for the characters.

Worthwhile Sci-Fi

Isaac Asimov's Foundation is an amazing repertoire of character personalities, strengths and flaws. Set in the distant future with the rise and fall of galactic civilizations, Asimov fundamentally describes peoples' convictions and motivations. No one character was completely virtuous because people are imperfect no matter what century. The Foundation interestingly describes the fall of the most evil and the progress of the best intentioned. A serious and genuine representation of humanity's future.

a classic

still a classic novel. great story. great narration. well worth the time of everyone who reads it.