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

loved my return to the Foundation series

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...

Wonderful Series

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

So Many Questions Addressed

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

The original.

Azimov is obviously the inspiration to science fiction writers right up to the present day.

Great story

I've read the Foundation cycle two times when I was a child, and now decided to run it once more. "Prelude" was my favourite book of the cycle and it's still so. Seldon here looks like a living man with his own traits, ideas and problems. I also liked the minor characters, especially Seldon's friends. This book is much similar to a classic adventure novel than to a science fiction novel, and imo that is the reason for some fans being frustrated.

Fantastically Ingenious

Asimov is a genius... Fantastic story... Amazing ending!!!! why isn't Asimov used in schools?

Great dialogue makes the book.

Wonderfully written dialogue is the driving force in this book. It is the conversations between the characters that make the book.

Great prelude

having listened to the original series first I can say that this ties in very well a lot of things re-explain door further explained in regards to the original series definitely a good listen if interested in the series

Fits Neaty into the Series

If you could sum up Prelude to Foundation in three words, what would they be?

Harry Seldon Begins...

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

This book is consistent with Asimov's writing style throughout his career. There is a nicely tied up ending, that begs another question(s) ... if you liked his other books, you will love this one as well. I would say the ending was terrific, but the scenes in the region where hair was unacceptable were priceless...

What about Scott Brick’s performance did you like?

Scott always does a great job, I wish he did the last 2 books in this series, but that should not stop anyone from reading this book. Scott does great job.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, too long, but that is not a negative. These books become companions, and spending time with them is time spent well.

Any additional comments?

Asimov is a unique writer. There is depth but this is not over philosophical. The characters are developed but these are not character studies. These are old fashion stories, meant to entertain, challenge your ideas and keep you involved. They are based on logic, not fighting or sex or melodrama. The story evolves, reveals itself and enthralls you until the end. I always suspect Asimov wrote these to primarily amuse himself, and the reader is invited into that approach. I highly recommend this book to any Asimov fan or fan of the Foundation Series.

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.