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

It's like star wars but actually makes sense.

This is definately worth reading is you're into the science fiction genre... hell, even if you're not it's a pretty good gateway drug.

definitely great

one of those books that left me itching for the sequel immediately after. great read

Not what I thought it was going to be and that’s a good thing

I didn’t realize that this was going to a collection of short stories that lays the “Foundation” of this sci-fi world. This is how good this book is. I never was into politics, but this book makes stellar politics entertaining. That’s no joke.

The Fellowship of the Ring of Science Fiction

A huge introduction to one of the best sociological studies ever put in fiction. Excellent pace, great exposition and incredibly intelligent. A must for anyone who appreciates a serious and mature plot in the genre.

difficult to follow

Spoilers ahead!!!!! While the story and the universe are utterly fascinating, I found it difficult to follow when the story jumped forward in time. I found myself having to rewind to the last point I could understand many times when this happened. that said, I think it would be easier to follow in written form.

Awesome!

I'm going through the story ahead of the Apple TV series release. It's really just such a great basis for a big screen special effects spectacular . You might say it's the perfect Foundation.

Performance is ok

I normally listen at 1.5 to 2x speed, but found that this performer is best listened at 1.3x speed. Weirdly to slow to listen at normal speed and to fast at 1.5x speed.

Classic Sci fi

Asimov always good. Story a bit dated by today's standard but still good. Dated as in the assumes steel and atomic power are galactic empire materials. But stories still good.

Not living up to childhood memories

When I heard that another try at putting Foundation onscreen was coming, I decided to listen to this childhood favorite book. Disappointing: didactic, bombastic and I suddenly realized—wow not a single woman. I mean this is a womanless world, I’m not just talking about a major character. Brick does his usual rhythmic dramatic reading. I gave up with 2 hours to go. Nah.

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.