Foundation

by Isaac Asimov
Foundation cover
Good Books rating 4.31
Science Fiction (Sci-Fi)
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Technical
  • ID: 1906
  • Added: 2025-10-11
  • Updated: 2025-11-29
  • ISBN: 9781439507131
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 1991-01-01
  • Formats: 14
  • Reviews: 4

For twelve thousand years, the Galactic Empire has ruled supreme, but now it is on the brink of collapse. Hari Seldon, the brilliant creator of psychohistory, foresees a grim future of ignorance and warfare. To safeguard humanity's knowledge, Seldon gathers the Empire's brightest minds and sends them to a remote planet at the edge of the Galaxy, establishing the Foundation as a sanctuary for future generations. /n/n However, the fledgling Foundation soon faces threats from corrupt warlords rising in the wake of the Empire's decline. The Foundation must make a crucial choice: submit to the barbarians and risk being overrun, or fight back and face destruction. The fate of humanity hangs in the balance.

Reviews
The Fantasy Reviews · 2024-02-01
brilliant 4.50

Foundation is praised for its brilliant plot and character-driven narrative. The reviewer finds it to be a simple yet engaging read that takes place over a short period.

The reviewer from The Fantasy Reviews is highly enthusiastic about Foundation, calling it brilliant. They appreciate the simplicity of the plot and the character-driven narrative, which makes the book engaging despite its short timeframe. The reviewer finds the book to be a strong introduction to the series and highlights its compelling ideas. They also mention that the book is a great choice for those looking for a straightforward yet captivating read.

Quick quotes

    Foundation by Isaac Asimov is brilliant.

    If you are looking for a plot that is simple, character-driven, and takes place over a short period of time, this is it.

    The book is a strong introduction to this cornerstone scifi series.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2021-05-02
essential 4.00

The Foundation series is a must-read for sci-fi fans, though it may not be as impactful today as it was in the past. The ideas and themes remain compelling, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in classic science fiction.

This reviewer highlights that the Foundation series is essential reading for any sci-fi enthusiast. They note that while the series may not have the same life-changing impact it once did, the ideas and themes explored are still compelling. The reviewer appreciates the series for its foundational role in the genre and its ability to inspire readers with its vision of the future. They also mention that the series is a great starting point for those looking to explore classic science fiction.

Quick quotes

    The Foundation series is certainly a must-read for sci-fi fans, but it isn't necessarily going to be life-changing today the way it was for me.

    The ideas and themes explored in the series are still compelling and make it a worthwhile read.

    The series is a great starting point for those looking to explore classic science fiction.

Incomplete Futures · 2020-08-03
entertaining 4.25

Foundation is a highly engaging and entertaining work, primarily consisting of action stories. The reviewer appreciates Asimov's ability to give readers enough to keep them engaged throughout.

The reviewer finds Foundation to be a highly engaging and entertaining work, primarily consisting of action stories. They appreciate Asimov's ability to give readers enough to keep them engaged throughout. The reviewer notes that the book's themes and ideas are still relevant and thought-provoking, making it a timeless classic. They also highlight the book's ability to blend science fiction with historical themes, making it a compelling read for both casual and avid readers.

Quick quotes

    Foundation is still a highly engaging and entertaining work.

    Asimov gives the readers enough to keep them engaged throughout.

    The book's themes and ideas are still relevant and thought-provoking.

The Guardian · Paul Krugman · 2012-12-04
inspiring 4.50

Paul Krugman finds the Foundation series to be a fantastical tale that offers an inspiring dream of a social science that could save civilisation. He appreciates the series for its vision and ideas.

Paul Krugman, in his review for The Guardian, praises Foundation for its fantastical tale that offers an inspiring vision of a social science capable of saving civilisation. He highlights the series' ability to explore complex ideas in an engaging manner. Krugman appreciates the series for its timeless relevance and its ability to inspire readers with its vision of the future. He finds the series to be a compelling read that offers a unique perspective on society and power.

Quick quotes

    The fantastical tale offers a still-inspiring dream of a social science that could save civilisation.

    The series explores complex ideas in an engaging manner.

    Foundation offers a unique perspective on society and power.

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