Foundation: Volume 1
Jun 2004 · Foundation Book 3 · Spectra
4.6star
1.19K reviewsreport
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320
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About this eBook
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.
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.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
1.19K reviews
A Google user
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11 July 2009
I can't give this more than three stars on it's own merit. I think in the grand scope of things it's probably a four star work because of it's place in history. Asimov is a capable writer and spins a good tale. I would have liked to see each of the five sections built out to something more complete - they read more like short stories and less like novels.
Johnny BLADE
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7 September 2020
It's dry. It's a little disconnected (5 short stories written in the 40s and 50s compiled into one book). But it's good. It's not great, but it's good and it's significant. I haven't started Foundation and Empire yet, but the developments in Part V of Foundation have me eager to start the next book! It's retrofuturism from the Golden Age of Science Fiction. Give it a shot, it's not very long so you won't have wasted your time.
7 people found this review helpful
A Google user
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5 May 2014
I hesitate to recommend Asimov's books to those who haven't already expressed an interest in them or read one themselves. The writing is dry, unemotional, and very academic. There is little to no action, and the characters are all on the one-dimensional side. If that doesn't deter you, Foundation offers a fascinating look at the geopolitical stage in Asimov's sci-fi universe. The rise, fall, and second rise of technological advancement and its place in diplomacy and economics is detailed through the struggles of a lone planet with few resources to speak of; other than brainpower. Foundation is stimulating first and foremost to the imagination, which makes it a very worthy read.
45 people found this review helpful
About the author
Isaac Asimov began his Foundation series at the age of twenty-one, not realizing that it would one day be considered a cornerstone of science fiction. During his legendary career, Asimov penned more than 470 books on subjects ranging from science to Shakespeare to history, though he was most loved for his award-winning science fiction sagas, which include the Robot, Empire, and Foundation series. Named a Grand Master of Science Fiction by the Science Fiction Writers of America, Asimov entertained and educated readers of all ages for close to five decades. He died, at the age of seventy-two, in April 1992.
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