Foundation

By Isaac Asimov

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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Published Apr 29, 2008

256 pages

Average rating: 7.09

203 RATINGS

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Readers say *Foundation* by Isaac Asimov is a highly influential classic that shaped science fiction, praised for its grand scope and thought-provokin...

jhwarren
8/10 stars
A re-read after about 20 years. I was nervous to read-read this book because it holds such a special place in my heart but it’s got its problems (e.g. where the heck are the women?). If you can hold those things aside, this is still such a great read. I want to continue reading-reading the series now but alas, other books await!
David Benson
8/10 stars
Very interesting read and look into older sci-fi. The examination of the foundations struggles throughout the years to bring back order to the universe after the fall of the empire is very thought provoking. Especially how in each new "chapter" we follow a different individual who is shaping the next generation and how each one achieves there goal to keep the foundation running. From religion to trade the evolution of the foundation is quite interesting in viewing how society and people change to stay relevant. My favorite personal section would have to be Hardin chapter and his use and establishment of religion to make the foundation integral to the other kingdoms. The political aspect of this remind me of ASOIF which I hope continues on in the series I look forward to the other foundation books and highly recommend for readers of Sci-fi and Fantasy
josiechi09
4/10 stars
I barely understood what was going on. I wanted to like this book, And I don't think it's a bad one, But I just couldn't understand it. Toward the end I barely even knew who the people talking were, Because of the timeline it follows, It's a story that follows different characters with a long period of time in between them so.. there's that. I've wanted to get into science fiction a bit more lately and hence the reason I decided to try this book, Since I have seen It's a very well-known classic. I also thought it lacked some of the stuff I enjoy the most which Is the world-building.
Seráh Blain
6/10 stars
There is literally only one woman in this book.
Casey O
6/10 stars
Underwhelming and repetitive. Might get around the next one, in time, but only when my to-read list grows very short indeed.

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