Foundation cover art

Foundation

The Foundation Trilogy, Book 1

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Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: William Hope
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About this listen

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES

The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.

The Galactic Empire has prospered for twelve thousand years. Nobody suspects that the heart of the thriving Empire is rotten, until psychohistorian Hari Seldon uses his new science to foresee its terrible fate.

Exiled to the desolate planet Terminus, Seldon establishes a colony of the greatest minds in the Empire, a Foundation which holds the key to changing the fate of the galaxy.

However, the death throes of the Empire breed hostile new enemies, and the young Foundation’s fate will be threatened first.

©2019 Isaac Asimov (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Hard Science Fiction Jewish Heritage Science Fiction Space Exploration Space Opera Fiction Interstellar Star Wars Robotics

Critic Reviews

"One of the most staggering achievements in modern SF." (The Times)

"Isaac Asimov was one of the great explainers of the age...It will never be known how many practising scientists today, in how many countries, owe their initial inspiration to a book, article, or short story by Isaac Asimov." (Carl Sagan)

"Asimov displayed one of the most dynamic imaginations in science fiction." (Daily Telegraph)
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the beginning is a little laboured, but quickly picks up pace and intrigue. really enjoyed it.

starts slow, picks up exponentially.

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I really enjoyed it, it's clear why this is considered to be such a sci-fi class.

Great book

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this book is the basis of almost all science fiction novels, audiobook done with a high quality of performance.

one of the most inspirational books ever written.

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It will be interesting to see what they do with the TV series. This series is firmly embedded in the years they were written- the 1950s. There is no diversity, only four women, two of which could be replaced by a description of a table lamp without affecting the plot. If you can get past the sexism, and the Buck Rogers level techno babble, then the ideas still hold value.

So 1950s

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starting to age but still good tail to read/listen too. performance was good just at time did not sound right for me

still good

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Clearly the source of inspiration for many modern scifi authors, and for good reason.

Brilliant

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Great world building and overarching story but not enough connection to the characters still a great listen

Foundation

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It's no secret that Isaac Asimov (as•im•of) was a highly gifted individual, firstly, a professor of biochemistry, and later, a prolific author. This is the first book of his I have experienced, and before listening to it, I had wondered if, perhaps, his superior scientific ability might hamper his storytelling ability...

Not so! Foundation is an outstanding story that kept me riveted until 'THE END'. In particular, Asimov's intellect shines through in his ability to construct strategies to govern people, firstly through religion, and later, through the use of trade and getting a people hooked on their improving quality of life and the threat that comes from the removal of that progression.

In particular, a strong parallel can be drawn to contemporary society in which the west has become increasingly in thirst of the low cost of the gadgetry that it has outsourced to China, which in turn has weakened its power over China accordingly. And to think that Asimov published this story 70 years ago, in 1951! Such insight!

Finally, I really enjoyed William Hope's narration, in particular, his ability to change accents and tones of voice when different characters were speaking.

Outstanding

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Most of it is interesting, but I f you’re ever having trouble sleeping, just listen to Part V. I was expecting more sci-fi stuff.

More bureaucratic than expected

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Interesting story with tons of grand ideas and machinations. I struggled with the narration being a bit annoying and too shouty. It could reflect the out-dated author's tone however.

Big ideas, very shouty narration

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