I don't know. Since I've been reading Asimov's books up to Foundation in story order, actually arriving at this cult classic has really felt lacklustre.

To me, this book is something akin to Rogue One. If you consider it within the lore then it's enjoyable, fun, interesting, makes sense. But take the lore away and it's just a bunch of things you don't care about happening to faceless people.

You have to gauge Foundation like this, since for all intents and purposes, this was the ONLY book in the series to begin with. From that reference point, I don't know what the fuss is all about.

Foundation is ultimately book 11 of 15 in the series if you're reading in story order. I'm committed to finishing, and perhaps will appreciate it more once I know the rest of the story.