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 Science Fiction Space Exploration Space Opera Fiction Interstellar Star Wars Robotics

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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)
Most relevant  
William Hope nails the peeformance of this deservedly described classic with its galactic scope spanning ages.

Shots fired.

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Thought it would be a hit or a miss to start off but really enjoyed it. The narration was excellent as provided by Lt.Gorman himself. Looking forward to book number two.

Good Stuff!!

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A great story of majestic sweep, told through a compelling series of gripping episodes.

I'm going to start volume two within half an hour of completing the first!

classic book for good reason, well narrated,

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The greatest sci fi epic of all time. A stunning performance by the narrator as well. 5 stars

Simply Brilliant

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The narrator chews the scenery but it works well for the story. The book may be a classic but a lot of dated 50s culture seeps through - cigars, message tubes and housewives all make an appearance. The narrative is still an interesting exploration of geopolitical strategies, but references to atomic dishwashers may prompt a wry smile.

Great performance and still a good story if somewhat dated

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Good food for thought. It addresses power struggles in a way that isn't dependant on real world examples. It's refreshing

Good book

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No where near the level of Dune. Was actually disappointed given the frenzy around the novel and series.

Over hyped

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Different than what I thought it would be. Brilliant. Loved it. Such a scope and what a narrator!! One of the best. Brought the story and characters alive. Buy it. You won’t be disappointed.

Brilliant

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Pure world-building from a grand master of science fiction. It’s hard to believe Foundation is 80 years old; it is as fresh as ever!

A classic, wonderfully performed

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The story is still wonderfully fresh and inventive 70 years after the collection was first published. Unfortunately a number of the characterisations are heavy handed to the point of embarrassment and persuaded me not to bother with the further audio volumes (I'll read them instead).

Brilliant Story Let Down By Caricatured Narrative

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