Ratings574
Average rating4
15
Ratings574
Average rating4
One of the great masterworks of science fiction, the Foundation novels of Isaac Asimov are unsurpassed for their unique blend of nonstop action, daring ideas, and extensive world-building.
The story of our future begins with the history of Foundation and its greatest psychohistorian: Hari Seldon. For twelve thousand years the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme. Now it is dying. Only Hari Seldon, creator of the revolutionary science of psychohistory, can see into the future--a dark age of ignorance, barbarism, and warfare that will last thirty thousand years. To preserve knowledge and save mankind, 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.
But soon the fledgling Foundation finds itself at the mercy of corrupt warlords rising in the wake of the receding Empire. And mankind's last best hope is faced with an agonizing choice: submit to the barbarians and live as slaves--or take a stand for freedom and risk total destruction.
Reviews with the most likes.
One of my friends told me to read this as less of a novel and more of a thought experiment and that really helped. This was such a fascinating concept to me and the contrast between the Foundation and the civilizations which surround it was super interesting through the progression of time. It's extremely dialog driven, which felt tedious in the last installment.
Talk about a book that absolutely bombs the Bechdel test though. Whew. One female character in the entire book and she's a shrill wife with about four lines.
3.5 stars, prob being generous because it's a classic (shouldn't do that, I know). I cannot wait to see the TV treatment of this.
Really disappointed. It's a collection of stories about the Foundation and the troubles it faces to keep it alive.
They're purpose is the maintaining of knowledge in the face of the destruction of mankind, so that when the empire rebuilds itself, it won't have to start from nothing.
They become a target of interests, each kingdom in the empire trying to either conquer it or gain its favor.
Through a series of what can be called political maneuvers, the leaders of the foundation manage to outsmart its opponents.
It goes on to tell stories about the spread of the Foundation influence throughout the fading empire.
The writing is too boring. The intelligent actions of the characters are unconvincing and uninteresting. The “religion” plot had potential, but it was badly executed.
Amazing plot and vision. Just didn't find it THAT enjoyable to read, not sure exactly why—maybe the lack of character development, maybe audiobook wasn't the best format, or maybe I had too high expectations.
Series
7 primary books8 released booksFoundation (Publication Order) is a 9-book series with 7 primary works first released in 1951 with contributions by Isaac Asimov and Martin H. Greenberg.
Series
7 primary booksFoundation (Chronological Order) is a 7-book series with 7 primary works first released in 1951 with contributions by Isaac Asimov, Piero Anselmi, and 8 others.
Series
14 primary books15 released booksGreater Foundation Universe is a 21-book series with 14 primary works first released in 1950 with contributions by Isaac Asimov, Aline Storto Pereira, and 10 others.
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