I've re-read the original Foundation trilogy around ten times over the years. Sure the writing is clunky, it's a product of its time (~40s-50's) and a bit "Boys

I've re-read the original Foundation trilogy around ten times over the years. Sure the writing is clunky, it's a product of its time (~40s-50's) and a bit "Boys Own". But if you can get past that the story itself is still a classic in the genre and I still enjoy it every time I read it again. But you're right in some respects, thus far for me, Le Guin has been totally captivating and obviously a far better writer than Asimov. But remember she also started her writing in different times. Also, I don't quite remember any "groping" in Foundation. I know there's some stories about Asimov having wandering hands, but I don't remember that in the books.