The all-time science fiction masterpiece...now in a special hardcover edition. "Unique...I know nothing comparable to it except Lord of the Rings."--Arthur C. Clarke Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Maud'dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family--and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream. A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction. Frank Herbert's death in 1986 was a tragic loss, yet the astounding legacy of his visionary fiction will live forever.
This Hugo and Nebula Award winner tells the sweeping tale of a desert planet called Arrakis, the focus of an intricate power struggle in a byzantine interstellar empire. Arrakis is the sole source of Melange, the "spice of spices." Melange is necessary for interstellar travel and grants psychic powers and longevity, so whoever controls it wields great influence.
The troubles begin when stewardship of Arrakis is transferred by the Emperor from the Harkonnen Noble House to House Atreides. The Harkonnens don't want to give up their privilege, though, and through sabotage and treachery they cast young Duke Paul Atreides out into the planet's harsh environment to die. There he falls in with the Fremen, a tribe of desert dwellers who become the basis of the army with which he will reclaim what's rightfully his. Paul Atreides, though, is far more than just a usurped duke. He might be the end product of a very long-term genetic experiment designed to breed a super human; he might be a messiah. His struggle is at the center of a nexus of powerful people and events, and the repercussions will be felt throughout the Imperium.
Dune is one of the most famous science fiction novels ever written, and deservedly so. The setting is elaborate and ornate, the plot labyrinthine, the adventures exciting. Five sequels follow. --Brooks Peck
Customer Reviews:
Avg. Customer Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
A Science Fiction Classic Frank Herbert's masterfully crafted book, Dune, is one of the best books I have ever read. Set on a wonderfully unique world Arakis, AKA Dune, this book follows the life of Paul Muad'Dib. I do not want to give away any more plot points than that. However, if you are a science fiction fan, you will love this book. The story, characters, technology, and world are all wonderfully crafted. The writing style is wonderful as well. It does not explain everything for you, but it withholds just enough information to... more info
Unique and brilliant What Herbert creates with Dune is truly unique in the world of sci-fi. If you are bored with the usual sci-fi fare that seems derivative and predictable, Dune may just be the refresher you are looking for. Conflicted heroes, depraved villains, and a gripping style that pulls you into his world, Dune is a masterpiece and a must read.
Lord of the Rings for Science Fiction Finished my reread of Dune by Frank Herbert. It still holds up extrememly well--I believe it's The Lord of the Rings for science fiction. I won't recount the plot here, since there are probably a million reviews of the book and the series, and lots of folks have seen the regrettable David Lynch movie (fortunately for millions of Star Wars fans, Lynch turned down Jedi to direct Dune). The movie was like looking at something through pavement heat--you can tell what it is that you're supposed to be seeing... more info
Probably the greatest SciFi novel ever written The level of detail in the universe created here by Herbert is astounding. Great story of politics, murder, mayhem and betrayal all set with an exotic backdrop. Try reading this and not thinking of how oil is used in our world. Futher chapters in the series have diminishing returns, but the first 3 books are worth reading. I have read the first book at least 4 times in my life and will probably do so again.
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