Foundation
By Isaac Asimov
- Release Date: 1991-10-01
- Genre: High Tech Sci-Fi
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.
Reviews
Foundation
5By Bee britchesWell doneI got lost at the midway point.
3By PatBrown64I totally loved the initial hook and premise of the book, but by the 50% mark I realized I had no idea what any of the characters where talking about anymore. I figured it’d become clear if I pressed on, but by 90% I was completely lost. This is probably more of a problem with my reading comprehension than a problem with this book, but for now I’m sticking with the TV+ series.Good hook initially but drags towards the end
3By Nathan El DooderinoThe story has a great hook initially but gets quickly lost as the context switches from generation to generation from Seldon crisis to Seldon crisisFoundation
5By sparky741Every bit as engaging as when I first read it 35 years ago!Great read
5By Chris DedmanGreat read, even if I preferred the Apple TV Series adaptation with more diversity than the book. Still recommend reading!OG Sci-Fi
5By RuhdwulfAsimov gives us a tightly told tale. Like much of early sci-fi, the character development is minimal. What is necessary and no more. Side Note: The streaming movie is only barely based on the novel.Classic sci-fi
5By 1979bookwormClassic sci-fi at its best. Asimov with his world building is so fascinating making you want to be in the story. Spanning centuries, the foundation has interwoven characters and themes that is an amazing blend of adventure and morals.Much better than the Apple Series
5By tbf58A small band of Scientists armed with a plan and the task to save all knowledge and mitigate a looming fall and dark ages against the unbelieving Galactic Empire . This formula has made this one of the most enduring science fiction stories . It’s a truth that has its parallel in our earths future history and so that’s why this group of books have been so appealing through the years despite the lack of aliens characters , and space battles .Classic Asimov
5By Keystone72Much more biting and thus insightful than the Apple TV series. . .Enthralling from start to finish!
5By K.schoffThe twists and turns are always fun and difficult to foresee. The writing style is enjoyable. Highly recommend!Wonderful now as when I first read it
5By MG2433As Wonderful now as when I first read it in the 50's Asimov is my favorite!Great book
5By JeffreyJpizzleRead itFine Sci-Fi!
5By andyt563This is my first foray into Asimov’s writing, and I can see why he is so revered! A very interesting read and well recommended.3-Dimensional Chess
3By Richard BakareI started to read this again when the Apple released the teaser trailer for the adaptation. I read it first in middle school, but a lot of the details faded with time. Like with the rereading of Dune, our social progress highlights many of the patriarchal and white savior narrative in these books that has gotten stale. But the central message and theme remains timeless. This passage from the book summarizes the struggle neatly, “it could be considered that science, as science, had failed the outer worlds. To be reaccepted it would have to present itself in another guise—and it has done just that.” Science as state craft, as religion, and as an economic tool would be the means for preserving scientific advancement and social and political surviving crises. These are objectives that can’t be played out in a single story, which is why it is fitting that the foundation series is so expansive in volumes and in the narrative style. Jumping half centuries in some moments and drilling down to minute interactions in others. The book and series do a great job of demonstrating a philosophy of governance where the actors use a mix of inductive and deductive reasoning beautifully. Leveraging the right details to steer a course in keeping with a macro vision of a future prosperity they themselves will not enjoy.THE “Fantastic Voyage” of Science Fiction
5By Spinnin' WheelerIncredibly detailed plot spanning a thousand years, impeccably written to make you think as you read (yeah!!), and a completely engaging storyline. This series became an instant favorite of mine when I first read it over 45 years ago, and it still packs a wonderful sci-fi punch of much-needed originality. Thank you Isaac Asimov!!!What a fantastic book and series of books
5By WrctrnrthI am a big fan of Asimov!!! I started reading in my 20s and read all books that I could find. I have enjoyed them very much that I read them twice or even 3 times. Now that I’m in my 60s, I have decided to read them again. I’m still in awe of his writing skills and I am getting more enjoyment out of the whole FOUNDATION series!! I intend to read more from this GREAT AUTHOR!!! He is truly one of THE GREATS!! Michael Paul ZazaEpic Must Read for all Sci Fi fans
5By ExbusterrI reread this after reading it by chance in college back in the 80’s. The story and concept is engaging. You see how it influenced Star Wars and other greats. Also keep in mind this was written circa 1950 and Asimov had to create a universe on his own from scratch. It’s part of one of the greatest epics ever written. This book is a great place to start the thousands of years of Galactic history he created in the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. If you start here and read the original Foundation books then I would advise going back and reading the Robot novels and short stories then Empire then the Foundation Prelude Novels. Alternatively start with the Robot “Caves of Steel”.Classic
5By siegfried77Just reread it for n th time.. now rereading Foundation and EmpireEpic Science Fiction told in short stories
5By Scrub KaiThis is a classic series for a reason. Really it should be required reading for all Science Fiction fans.
