Well done

I 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.

The story has a great hook initially but gets quickly lost as the context switches from generation to generation from Seldon crisis to Seldon crisis

Every bit as engaging as when I first read it 35 years ago!

Great read, even if I preferred the Apple TV Series adaptation with more diversity than the book. Still recommend reading!

Asimov 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 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.

A 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 .

Much more biting and thus insightful than the Apple TV series. . .

The twists and turns are always fun and difficult to foresee. The writing style is enjoyable. Highly recommend!

As Wonderful now as when I first read it in the 50's Asimov is my favorite!

Read it

This is my first foray into Asimov’s writing, and I can see why he is so revered! A very interesting read and well recommended.

I 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.

Incredibly 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!!!

I 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 Zaza

I 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”.

Just reread it for n th time.. now rereading Foundation and Empire

This is a classic series for a reason. Really it should be required reading for all Science Fiction fans.