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  • Foundation and Empire

  • By: Isaac Asimov
  • Narrated by: William Hope
  • Length: 9 hrs and 33 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (994 ratings)
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Foundation and Empire

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: William Hope
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Summary

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 First Foundation survived two centuries of barbarism as the once-mighty Galactic Empire descended into chaos. Now it mist prepare for war against the remnants of the Empire as the Imperial fleet advances on their planet, Terminus.

Hari Seldon predicted this war; he even prepared his Foundation for it. But he couldn’t foresee the birth of the mutant Mule. In possession of a power which reduces fearsome opposition to devoted slaves, the Mule poses a terrible threat to Seldon’s Foundation.

©2019 Isaac Asimov (P)2019 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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

What listeners say about Foundation and Empire

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Seldan says...

Change of pace from the first but still enjoyable. A fantastic psychological world worth exploring.

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Excellent

I have really enjoyed this version of th trilogy more than others I have previously listened to

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brilliant

a brilliant book from 1952 which feels like it could have been written in 2020

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outstanding

this second book in the foundation series is pure class just as enthralling and captivating as the first book with surprises and suspense throughout. Asimov was a master of his craft and the performance of William hope through the series is impeccable. I highly recommend this series to any sci fi or political thriller fan

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Great sci-fi book

The narrator turns from initially being a bit annoying, to a totally addictive and irreplaceable. Looking forward to listening to the third part.

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excellent

great continuation to the story, subtle political maneuvers, and a plot thrilling to the very end. can't wait for the next

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Classic Sci-Fi epic Surprisingly Enjoyable

second in the original trilogy of books by Asimov, this book was an improvement on the first (which I enjoyed the immediacy of). It comprises of two novellas linked by the continuing story arc of the Foundation, and the predictions of Hari Selden from the first book. Of the two novellas I found the second more interesting, with the amusing twist at the end and the set-up (I hope) for book three. Asimov's writing is surprisingly fresh and engaging for a book written when my father was but a boy. The underlying themes are interesting yet not overly heavy, and so much sci-fi that was to follow took inspiration from this book I can see why it earned its status.
for the Audio book, the narration was great. definitely one of the better narrators I've listened to.

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Just as great as the first was

William Hope made this as well as enjoyable as I enjoyed the first one, and I am sure, as I will the third one.
The story is great and fascinating, the reading and the many different personalities the reader gave to the roles using his voice and undoubtful talent just completely carried me away.
I just can't wait to start the third part of this wonderful trilogy.
I recommend to all who loves a good, calssic science-fiction story, it won't dissappoint.

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Very nice story and great narrator!

I loved the character of Magnifico! excited for the next book
the story went by quite fast to me, definitely didn't feel like that many hours

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Amazing

It’s rare that a sequel would out do the original in such a way, adds to the universe in a great way and takes a hard left turn which I didn’t see coming but greatly improved the story! 10/10

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3 people found this helpful