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Foundation Audiobook
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(3.00) - 145,463 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
The first novel in Isaac Asimov’s classic science-fiction masterpiece, the Foundation series
THE EPIC SAGA THAT INSPIRED THE APPLE TV+ SERIES FOUNDATION • Nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read
For twelve thousand 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.
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"Abituati a scenari alla Star Trek o alla Guerre Stellari, la fantascienza che ci propone Asimov e' totalmente diversa e si potrebbe storcere il naso dopo l'accattivante partenza del romanzo. Sembra di essere talvolta immersi in uno scenario effettivamente un po' vecchio e molto poco fantascientifico, carente di tutti gli elementi che oggi ci aspetteremmo di trovare. Ma la forza di questo romanzo non va cercata in questo, quanto nello scenario che l'autore e' riuscito a costruire e che pian piano si vede cambiare e modificarsi attraverso diplomazia, inganni e altro, come predetto in partenza. Peccato solo che talvolta la narrazione diventi un po' faticosa."
— Dario (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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A true polymath, a superb rationalist, an exciting and accessible writer in both fiction and nonfiction, Isaac Asimov was simply a master of all he surveyed.
— Greg Bear -
Asimov served wondrous meals-of-the-mind to a civilization that was starved for clear thinking about the future. To this day, his visions spice our ongoing dinner-table conversation about human destiny.
— David Brin -
Isaac was still in his teens when I met him, a fan of mine before I was a fan of his. Writing for John W. Campbell back in the famous ‘golden age of science fiction,’ he became one of the founders of our field. With the Robot stories and the Foundation stories, he helped to shape science fiction as we know it.
— Jack Williamson -
I grew up on the ABC’s of science fiction—Asimov, Bradbury, Clarke. There’s a reason Asimov’s name comes first, and not just because of the alphabet!
— Janis Ian -
With his fertile imagination, his wit, and his prolific output, Isaac Asimov truly laid the foundation for all future generations of science fiction writers.
— Kevin J. Anderson -
If anything can be said to have been the launch pad for space-age science fiction, it has to be the Foundation trilogy. It’s a classic. And it’s unforgettable.
— Jack McDevitt -
The Foundation series is one of the masterpieces of science fiction. If you’ve never read these novels, then you’re in for a treat, and even if you’ve already read them, then you owe it to yourself to reread them, because they’re still great.
— Allen Steele -
Quite simply, Asimov got me started.
— Liz Williams -
Asimov’s Foundation trilogy was the pivotal touchstone of my life in creative fiction. His vision and scope spanned the galaxy across eons, and at the same time he told deeply personal stories of living characters. The writer I am sprang from the boy that these books touched back then. They continue to move me still. Thank you, Isaac, for opening my mind and my life to the possible.
— Tracy Hickman -
I’m sure there will be more Foundation stories, and more robot stories, and more science-fictional mysteries, because those are Isaac’s legacies to us. But reading them won’t be quite the same. There was only one Isaac Asimov; there will never be another.
— Mike Resnick
Awards
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A #1 iBooks bestseller in Science Fiction
Foundation Listener Reviews
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Ted Truth, 7/19/2025
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Lee Grevemberg, 2/3/2024
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7/31/2023
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Richard Ellwood, 2/9/2023
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Bruce Jondle, 1/27/2023
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" I consider this story as one the best SF ever and the narration does it justice "
— Tony R, 1/15/2023 -
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Colder68, 1/7/2023
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Carlos Migueis, 12/24/2022
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William Stockwell, 12/10/2022
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DocTuck, 6/24/2022
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Michael Patrick, 10/19/2021
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Ron, 3/11/2021
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my asteroid, 8/28/2019
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Robert Siegl, 1/24/2019
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" I am on a bit of a science fiction binge. I read recently that the Foundation Trilogy was rated the best sic fi/fantasy series ever so I determined to read it. This was read by Scott Brick who is an excellent narrator and brought this first book of the Trilogy alive. I will now listen to the next two. The real life analogies portrayed in this book were terrific and really made me think that some of the world's problems over time may have been able to be solved without the horrific wars humans have perpetrated upon one another. If only we could bring science fiction to life. "
— Edward, 2/18/2014 -
" read and re read the original edition more than ones and doubtless i will again :) "
— Stephen, 2/10/2014 -
" This is a test review to see if testing works! "
— Testy, 1/29/2014 -
" Asimov's Foundation is a brilliant classic that was the basis for modern day science fiction stories. Masterfully blending political intrigue, religious dogma, and human drama with a futuristic background, Asimov creates not only distant worlds, but entire civilizations that rise and fall in stories that spans generations. With this book it's easy to see how he influenced other sci-fi giants in literature and film decades later. "
— Jeff, 1/24/2014 -
" Amazing book. It's more of a political thriller than a sci-fi. Great story. "
— Afm, 1/19/2014 -
" Hegelian Sci-Fi? Oh yes! "
— Frederick, 1/9/2014 -
" I was surprised that the collection of short stories was nicely tied together. "
— Albert, 1/5/2014 -
" While there are a few things that now seem dated, Asimov's classic really holds up. This is a must read for all die-hard space opera fans. Asimov's wit and scientific mind show through. You have to turn the page to find out what happens next. "
— Scott, 12/24/2013 -
" Fuck yeah. "
— Andrew, 12/12/2013 -
" I really found this difficult to get into. There were just too many jumps to allow for character progression. "
— Christopher, 12/4/2013 -
" Asimov is a master. Foundation goes beyond epic. Again his insight and complex theological ideas create the ultimate journey. "
— Lisayak, 11/23/2013 -
" In the same setting of futuristic space as Ender's Game, but much more elegant. In comparison, Ender's Game is like the trashy page-turner cousin to the Foundation. At 100 something pages, it's a quick, tight, and fun read. "
— Xuan, 11/15/2013 -
" There are no words for excellence. Asimov was a genius. "
— Kurbycat, 11/12/2013 -
" good start to a great series "
— Dave, 10/9/2013 -
" Pretty boring read for me "
— Craig, 4/22/2013 -
" Never read any Asimov before, but I understand why so many people talk of his work, specifically Foundation and the series. Must read for any SciFi fan. "
— Kyle, 3/22/2013 -
" OMG This book was so awesomely awesome. I've had this trilogy on my shelf for 20 years, and I finally read the ebook version yesterday, and found so many iconic story elements that appeared in science fiction since.. Now I'm hooked, gotta read every book in this series! "
— Lex, 12/18/2012 -
" You can fit this onto modern day Pakistan anytime! "
— Madeeha, 11/8/2012 -
" I couldn't make it to the end of the book, and I HATE not finishing things. But nothing seemed to happen,it was way too slow for me, so Too Many Books, Too Little Time, I quit half way through. "
— T., 9/5/2012 -
" Really enjoyed it. Pretty dated in parts, but still great. It's easy to see the influence of the Foundation on modern sci fi. "
— Shawn, 3/13/2012 -
" Was not sure what to expect. Really enjoyed this. "
— Enrique, 9/26/2011 -
" A part of the stories was a bit muddled, overall though great saga so far. Especially at the end I couldn't wait to begin the second book of the trilogy... "
— Constantine, 9/9/2011 -
" Good classic science fiction. Interesting take on the concepts of destiny and predicting human behavior. Characters are a little wooden at times, but it's more about the story than the characters. "
— Cprincipe, 5/10/2011 -
" The Foundation Trilogy was a masterstroke of political science fiction. When I read it, I was reminded of real historical versions of the rise and fall of empire. Asimov's intelligent and inciteful commentary on the rise and fall of society is as good as any research article on the subject. "
— Norman, 4/21/2011 -
" My favorite science fiction book(s) of all time. I am fortunate to have a Asimov signed Easton Press edition. A great tale. "
— Mmmjay, 3/31/2011 -
" I was thinking about this trilogy...I read it in the late 80s, early 90's and could not put it down. I am not a huge science fiction buff but appreciate it when it is GOOD. This would be worth a re-read to see if I still love it as much as I remember. "
— Kerry, 3/27/2011 -
" Brilliant!! I didn't want it to end. This Trilogy is truly timeless! "
— Candace, 3/9/2011 -
" One of the few books that I would rate so high. Asimov's writing style is both easy to read and engaging without being mindless. I recommend this trilogy to any sci-fi fan. "
— Brittany, 3/3/2011 -
" Great trilogy, one of the most well thought out plots. The book continuously surprises you. "
— Thomas, 3/2/2011 -
" Always a favorite, even if dated. "
— Rich, 2/10/2011 -
" Sicuramente un capolavoro del genere, ma non è riuscito a coinvolgermi. Il romanzo è freddo e i personaggi, ad eccezione del Mule, non hanno profondità, sembrano burattini nelle mani dell'autore. "
— Elisa, 1/18/2011
About Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov (1920–1992), one of the best-known and most successful authors to emerge from the golden age of science fiction, was born in the Soviet Union and came to the United States in 1923. He earned his PhD in chemistry in 1948, and in 1958 became a full-time writer. His writings include the Foundation series; I, Robot; Tomorrow’s Children; and numerous works of nonfiction touching on a range of scientific topics. Among his accolades are six Hugo Awards, a SFWA Grand Master Award, and high praise from such luminaries as Kurt Vonnegut, Arthur C. Clarke, and Gene Roddenberry.
About Scott Brick
Scott Brick, an acclaimed voice artist, screenwriter, and actor, has performed on film, television, and radio. He attended UCLA and spent ten years in a traveling Shakespeare company. Passionate about the spoken word, he has narrated a wide variety of audiobooks. winning won more than fifty AudioFile Earphones Awards and several of the prestigious Audie Awards. He was named a Golden Voice by AudioFile magazine and the Voice of Choice for 2016 by Booklist magazine.