Dune  (English, Paperback, Herbert Frank)

Released in 1965, Frank Herbert’s Dune is one of the most famous science fiction novels and is regarded as one of the genre’s classics. It is the first book in the Dune saga and revolves around the character of Paul Atreides on Arrakis, a desert planet.

Summary Of The Book

Young Paul Atreides is the son of Duke Leto Atreides from House Atreides. The duke’s ever-increasing popularity within the convocation Landsraad is seen as a threat by House Corrino’s Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV. A direct attack on House Atreides will not be tolerated by the Landsraad and may bring about Civil War in the empire. An age-old feud between House Harkonnen and House Atreides is used by Shaddam IV to attack and eliminate Leto and House Atreides. Shaddam IV tempts Leto into taking control of the desert planet Arrakis, which produces an essential spice called ‘Melange’. Leto leaves control of Caladan in order to take charge of Arrakis, a planet which is home to House Atreides’ elite navy.

After thwarting several attempts by the Harkonnens, Leto is finally taken captive after a member of House Atreides betrays him. Meanwhile, Leto’s concubine, Lady Jessica and his son, Paul join the ferocious fighting group of Fremen by virtue of their growing abilities. In the years that pass, Paul identifies the massive strength that lies within the Fremen forces, which according to him, can win back Arrakis for House Atreides. Paul’s powers develop to a huge extent, and the Fremens begin to regard him as their messiah. With this growing influence, Paul starts a jihad against the Harkonnen rule of Arrakis under the Fremen name ‘Muad’Dib’.

Blending elements like mysticism, adventure, politics and environmentalism, Dune makes for a gripping read, and is sure to influence sci-fi fanatics for a long while to come.

The book received great critical acclaim with many critics stating it to be the best sci-fi book of all time. It received the prestigious Hugo

Award and Nebula Award in 1966. David Lynch adapted the book into a movie in 1984. John Harrison started a television miniseries based on Dune in 2000, which was highly rated as well.

About Frank Herbert

Frank Herbert was a renowned American author who was best known for his science fiction work, which won both critical acclaim and commercial success.

Some of the most remembered works of the author are Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, Whipping Star, The Dosadi Experiment, The Jesus Incident, The Lazarus Effect, The Eyes of Heisenberg, Soul Catcher and Direct Descent.

Frank Herbert was born in 1920 in Tacoma, Washington. The poor environment at his home forced him to shift base to Salem, Oregon, where he moved in with an uncle and aunt in 1938. He graduated from Salem High School. During World War II, he served as a photographer. Post-war he joined the University of Washington. He did not manage to graduate though.