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

A True Classic

Isaac Asimov is one of the "Fathers of Sci-fi" for a reason. This is that reason.

Asimov is the best

What made the experience of listening to Foundation the most enjoyable?

I haven't read Foundation since I was a teenager. But listening to it now as an adult, I enjoyed it even more

What did you like best about this story?

I can't believe how young Isaac Asimov was when he worte this story. It is very intellectual, yet accesible to readers of almost every age.

What does Scott Brick bring to the story that you wouldn???t experience if you just read the book?

Scott Brick is my favorite narrator. Whether he's reading Asimov or a thriller he always gets it right.

Any additional comments?

Even though Foundation is the first book in the series, I highly recommend reading Prelude to the Foundation first for backround information.

The best book in the Foundation series by far.

Would you consider the audio edition of Foundation to be better than the print version?

It depends on the listener/reader. The audiobook allows you to hear the pronunciations of difficult words (like names) without have to stumble through them; there are many strange names in the Foundation books. However, you lose out on a portion of the suspense of the story which is inherently related to the turning of physical pages in books.

What other book might you compare Foundation to and why?

In it's scope, I would compare it to Dune; both speak of the human society on a galactic scale and detail the intricate workings of governing bodies. Both books delve into the use of technology, trade, and religion as a means of control over populations of planets. And both allude to a greater story being told via quotes from fictional encyclopedias and books.

Which character – as performed by Scott Brick – was your favorite?

Mallow was my favorite; a great parallel to Seldon in many ways.

Any additional comments?

Scott does a fantastic job of narrating the Foundation series. This is ever more apparent to me after having listened to the god-awful narration of McKeever for "Forward the Foundation." Thankfully, as I understand it, Scott has narrated most of the Foundation books, so I have that to look forward to at least for "Foundation and Empire."

Amazing work of fiction

Asimov's tale of a future universe is vivid and believable with characters that are worthy of any great work of fiction. Foundation is a work that will stand the test of time.

A Chore To Read

overall this book was really thought out very deeply, but it was very tough to follow all the lines of political jargon and gross assumptions made it truly a chore to read this book I hate to think this about a book wrote by the great Isaac Asimov but I really wish there was at least some action in this it's entirely a book of political bullshit

I'm revisiting this review a day later.

in the very first paragraph of Levitation Wakes by James S A Corey there is more action and interesting writing than this entire book. that is all.

it gets better

It was quite boring until the true main plot began about after 1h or so. then story turn truly intresting.

Sci Fi Classic

Any additional comments?

Listening to Foundation is like watching Twilight Zone on Netflix. They're classics told in a mid-century style, but feature themes & characters that are still relevant.

Classic Stands With Today's Greats

classic story that you can see has influenced authors and creators today. Unique story that spans over 1000 years.

mediocre

I finished it, but really just because it's supposed to be such a classic. the prose is good, but the characters are over-the-top, and the story is internally inconsistent.

classic Asimov. start with this one

what can i add about this genious?
good story: multiple waves of drama, schemes and the vast cosmos.