• Prelude to Foundation

  • By: Isaac Asimov
  • Narrated by: William Hope
  • Length: 15 hrs and 57 mins
  • 5.0 out of 5 stars (11 ratings)

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Prelude to Foundation  By  cover art

Prelude to Foundation

By: Isaac Asimov
Narrated by: William Hope
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Publisher's summary

WINNER OF THE HUGO AWARD FOR BEST ALL-TIME SERIES

The Foundation series is Isaac Asimov’s iconic masterpiece. Unfolding against the backdrop of a crumbling Galactic Empire, the story of Hari Seldon’s two Foundations is a lasting testament to an extraordinary imagination, one that shaped science fiction as we know it today.

In a time before the Foundations, psychohistory’s creator Hari Seldon is made to stand before the Emperor of the crumbling Galactic Empire to present how his scientific theory of predicting the future might be applied to the real world.

However, Hari refuses to deploy his theory for political gain, setting off instead with reporter Chetter Hummin in quest of a place to safely apply his theory: Earth, the original home of humanity.

All records of Earth have been lost to time. Hari will therefore have to look back into the past, in order to seal the future of humanity for ever.

©2021 Isaac Asimov (P)2023 HarperCollins Publishers Limited

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What listeners say about Prelude to Foundation

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Wow that makes so much sense

This fills in a huge chunk of the story. It is really well told and I have a greater enjoyment of the whole story

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1 person found this helpful

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Simply brilliant!!

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing Isaac Asimov's "Prelude to Foundation" as an audiobook, narrated by the incredibly talented William Hope. From the very beginning, Hope's narration captivated me, bringing Asimov's rich universe and complex characters to life in a way that felt both intimate and grandiose.

William Hope's ability to convey the nuances of each character, alongside the intricate plot and philosophical underpinnings of the story, was nothing short of remarkable. His voice became the perfect conduit for Asimov's vision, adding layers of depth and emotion to the narrative that I hadn't fully appreciated when reading the text alone.

The pacing of the narration was impeccable, allowing the story's tension and excitement to build naturally, while also providing moments of reflection when the deeper themes of the book were explored. Hope's clear and engaging delivery made the complex ideas accessible, and his passion for the material was evident throughout, making my listening experience all the more enjoyable.

"Prelude to Foundation" is a splendid story in its own right, but William Hope's narration elevates it to a whole new level. His performance is a testament to the power of a great narrator to enhance the enjoyment and understanding of a work. I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook to both long-time fans of Asimov and newcomers alike. It's a five-star experience that I will undoubtedly return to in the future.

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Fantastic book

My first Isaac Asimov book. Can’t wait to go through the rest of the series.

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