My preview stands for all the associated Foundation novels as well as the Robot series, etc.
Asimov's writing just plods along but his ability to entwine this story over time with other associated novels and series is astounding. He obviously doesn't put emphasis upon the importance of a paragraph, let alone a chapter - he aims for the big picture and if you keep that in mind, you'll reap the reward that Asimov offers. I think Asimov blends Religion and Science in a far more constructive way than what Scientology is offering, which isn't easy as its just like trying to blend Medical with Military or Cooking with Conservation. Hence why Asimov sums up the Golden Age of Sci-Fi, let alone still the leading Sci-Fi writer to date. If you want to get into Sci-Fi, then this is the book to start with and please try to borrow it from a Library... somewhere at the end of the Galaxy.
PS: America is endorsing 'Nuclear Power' as the new common energy source. Australia I'm sure, will oust the oily Shieks, with its vast Uranium resources. I wonder where they got the idea for that? ( )

Foundation is a quality science fiction novel. Is it the best the genre has to offer? With all due respect to Mr. Asimov, no. Asimov was writing science fiction at a much higher level than many of his contemporaries. But he is not the pedestal of science fiction others have claimed. That said, read Foundation. It is solid sci-fi and a great story inspired by the history of Rome. ( )

I was surprised with how much I enjoyed this book. Despite Asimov's simplistic style of writing (you won't find any flowery language here) he managed to write a book with an interesting plot and engaging ideas. This book was the first written in his "Foundation" series, and tells of the establishment of Foundation (a group of scholars/scientists attempting to preserve human knowledge after the inevitable collapse of the empire). The idea presented in this book which I found most interesting was the idea that science itself can be a religion (because it is so true...). Be warned, however, that this book is a product of its time. For example, there is almost no female presence in the novel. When it was published, science fiction was a genre dominated by white, privileged males, and the lack of female voice reflects that reality. However, taken for what it is, this novel really deserves much of the praise it receives - recommended. ( )

I don't know why people judge this series so harshly on its science. I think Asmov did quite well considering when the book was written. I can tell from the reading though, that this book is based on the fall of the Roman Empire and it's aftermath. I understand the format, but I don't buy religion being created as an instrument for conquest even though in its most corruptible iteration, it definitely became that for medieval Europe. ( )

Very dry. It reminded me more than anything else of the 19th century locked room mysteries, Agatha Christie and all that, except with 1950s white collar American officer workers. ( )