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Frank Herbert

Dune

Dune by Frank Herbert, is a classic scifi novel which has spawned a considerable number of sequels and quite a few imitators. The story is centred around Paul Atreides, son of Leto, Duke of the planet Caladan. The Atreides have a long emnity with the evil Harkonnen family, and at the start of the story the galactic emperor has decreed that the two families should exchange homeworlds, so that the Atreides get Arrakis, source of the spice vital to the workings of the empire, and so of immense wealth. A just reward for moral behaviour? - no, Leto sees clearly that it is a trap, which may mean the end of the Atreides family.

Indeed Paul and his mother Jessica have to escape to the inhospitable desert of Arrakis, which is occupied only by the secretive and dangerous Fremen population. Until now the Fremen people have been considered to be of little importance in galactic affairs, but that is about to change.

Although Dune is clearly in the science fiction category, it is nothing like the space opera that this suggests. Technology plays a minor role in the story, and much of what happens is more akin to magic. The book can be confusing, with the constant intrugues between different factions, and it's the sort of book which may need to be read several times to make sense of it - but it's such a classic work that this is worth the effort.

Amazon.com info

Paperback 544 pages
ISBN: 0441172717
Salesrank: 16607
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 1990 Ace

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Amazon.co.uk info

Paperback 608 pages
ISBN: 0450011844
Salesrank: 4931
Weight:0.66 lbs

Published: 1982 Hodder Paperbacks

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Amazon.ca info

Paperback 544 pages
ISBN: 0441172717
Salesrank: 736
Weight:0.62 lbs

Published: 1990 Ace (MM)

Amazon price CDN$ 8.99

Marketplace:New from CDN$ 4.41:Used from CDN$ 0.01

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Product Description
Paul Atreides moves with his family to the planet Dune and is forced into exile when his father's government is overthrown. The first book in the series.

Product Description

Paul Atreides moves with his family to the planet Dune and is forced into exile when his father's government is overthrown. The first book in the series.

The best science fiction novel of all time, or just nostalgia? *
I didn't like the Dune book and here are my reasons why. It should be noted that I'm rating this book without taking into account at all that it is 49 years old -- had I done so this review would be different. This review might contain spoilers. Having just finished the four novels set in the Hyperion universe and the single short story in the same setting I was shocked that something so great (the Hyperion series) could have existed for so long without myself knowing about it. Having grown up as very young with the "Dune 2" real time strategy game on the PC which I have fond memories of I later on always had a strong suspicion that the Dune books must be truly great -- but for some reason I never got around to reading the books despite reading a lot of other fiction. Finally I bought all the books in the Dune series -- I was THAT certain this series must be so good I would want to buy all of them anyway; or so I'd been told, things like "So you thought Hyperion was good? You should read Dune.". I was deeply disappointed. For starters I didn't like the tone and style of writing, but I didn't like Hyperion immediately either, and I went into the book with enthusiasm, a truly open mind and embraced every idea when I started reading and didn't care if things didn't make sense at first. I'm soon finished with the second book now and here are my thoughts: Dune has little or nothing to do with science fiction and technology, it has everything to do with politics, religion and what I'd call magic -- the abilities of e.g. the protagonists to manipulate their own bodies and see into the future with no explanation whatsoever or even vague references to physics is hard to grasp. It is even told that the magic spice can "bend space", presumably as implied by GR. It is even harder to accept that in a high tech, interstellar fairing civilization computers are outlawed and knives are extremely effective weapons. As said already "The universe that Frank Herbert creates here is a humanistic one, almost a mideval renaissance world.", if you can accept this as science fiction in addition to a lot of seemingly absurd babble, then you will probably enjoy the book. The author seems to employ cheap plot devices to elude the burden of having to speculate on the technology of the future. E.g. all computers are illegal due to a "jihad" that banned them a long time ago. Apparently digital guidance computers are not needed to navigate nor control the massive interstellar spacecraft that are present in the novel but never discussed in detail. Instead they are navigated using one of the several magic forces of the "spice" in addition to so-called "navigators". The most sad thing is that exactly how this (and basically anything else too) works is not even mentioned as far as I can recall. To imagine strong AI is forbidden is possible, but to imagine that not only weak AI (expert systems) are illegal but ALL computers altogether are illegal? Give me a break. Supposedly "Ornithopters" are used as aircraft on Dune, with no explanation as to why this is cheaper and more effective than regular aircraft -- however, are we meant to believe these aircraft are operated with analog electronics? Is all communication analog too? "JIHAD, BUTLERIAN: (see also Great Revolt) -- the crusade against computers, thinking machines, and conscious robots begun in 201 B.G. and concluded in 108 B.G. Its chief commandment remains in the O.C. Bible as "Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind."" Since computers per se are never mentioned in the book as far as I can recall I can only interpret the Butlerian Jihad as outlawing ALL computers -- as is actually stated too in the quoted text. Are we really meant to believe that an interstellar civilization operates a vast network of huge, massive spacecraft of all kids, without using any form of digital computers? All sensors, attitude control, thrusters, life support systems, GN&C, communication, command and data handling are all analog, and somehow fed through a mutated creature that is this "navigator", who uses a magical spice to fold the very fabric of spacetime itself? And none of this needs to be even remotely explained or even mentioned how actually works? Other works of science fiction often refrain from explaining the inner workings of arbitrary technology too, but in those cases the underlying concepts or ideas that are implied (or stated explicitly) are often familiar ones that are easy to imagine -- the reader can fill in the voids and gaps on his/her own, however with Dune I'm unable to do this. It seems impossible. It is perhaps at least as hard to accept that weapons are near useless, due to everyone in a military situation being equipped with a "shield", which supposedly causes subatomic fusion upon being struck by directed energy from a weapon. To suppose that nothing, not particle weapons nor energy weapons are useful at all, because of a shild that can stop ANYTHING, seems not only unrealistic but makes again for a poor excuse as means to exclude such weapons from the universe altogether. In all Dune seems more like a desert fantasy universe with the technology so distant and so remote that it is felt as if it is not even there at all. The ideas and concepts seem more magical than scientific. Due to the age of the work I expected a space opera/soft science fiction -- little talk about technology and science, but as I've tried to explain there is less than that, there is so little science in the book that fantasy is perhaps a better term. Although if you can live with what I've briefly mentioned so far, the rest of the book must be said to be great, but there are plenty of other reviews that deal with what the book is really about. I'm just disappointed from a science fiction point of view.

The best science fiction novel of all time, or just nostalgia? *

I didn't like the Dune book and here are my reasons why.

It should be noted that I'm rating this book without taking into account at all that it is 49 years old -- had I done so this review would be different.

This review might contain spoilers.

Having just finished the four novels set in the Hyperion universe and the single short story in the same setting I was shocked that something so great (the Hyperion series) could have existed for so long without myself knowing about it. Having grown up as very young with the "Dune 2" real time strategy game on the PC which I have fond memories of I later on always had a strong suspicion that the Dune books must be truly great -- but for some reason I never got around to reading the books despite reading a lot of other fiction. Finally I bought all the books in the Dune series -- I was THAT certain this series must be so good I would want to buy all of them anyway; or so I'd been told, things like "So you thought Hyperion was good? You should read Dune.".

I was deeply disappointed. For starters I didn't like the tone and style of writing, but I didn't like Hyperion immediately either, and I went into the book with enthusiasm, a truly open mind and embraced every idea when I started reading and didn't care if things didn't make sense at first.

I'm soon finished with the second book now and here are my thoughts: Dune has little or nothing to do with science fiction and technology, it has everything to do with politics, religion and what I'd call magic -- the abilities of e.g. the protagonists to manipulate their own bodies and see into the future with no explanation whatsoever or even vague references to physics is hard to grasp. It is even told that the magic spice can "bend space", presumably as implied by GR. It is even harder to accept that in a high tech, interstellar fairing civilization computers are outlawed and knives are extremely effective weapons.

As said already "The universe that Frank Herbert creates here is a humanistic one, almost a mideval renaissance world.", if you can accept this as science fiction in addition to a lot of seemingly absurd babble, then you will probably enjoy the book.

The author seems to employ cheap plot devices to elude the burden of having to speculate on the technology of the future. E.g. all computers are illegal due to a "jihad" that banned them a long time ago. Apparently digital guidance computers are not needed to navigate nor control the massive interstellar spacecraft that are present in the novel but never discussed in detail. Instead they are navigated using one of the several magic forces of the "spice" in addition to so-called "navigators". The most sad thing is that exactly how this (and basically anything else too) works is not even mentioned as far as I can recall.

To imagine strong AI is forbidden is possible, but to imagine that not only weak AI (expert systems) are illegal but ALL computers altogether are illegal? Give me a break. Supposedly "Ornithopters" are used as aircraft on Dune, with no explanation as to why this is cheaper and more effective than regular aircraft -- however, are we meant to believe these aircraft are operated with analog electronics? Is all communication analog too?

"JIHAD, BUTLERIAN: (see also Great Revolt) -- the crusade against computers, thinking machines, and conscious robots begun in 201 B.G. and concluded in 108 B.G. Its chief commandment remains in the O.C. Bible as "Thou shalt not make a machine in the likeness of a human mind.""

Since computers per se are never mentioned in the book as far as I can recall I can only interpret the Butlerian Jihad as outlawing ALL computers -- as is actually stated too in the quoted text. Are we really meant to believe that an interstellar civilization operates a vast network of huge, massive spacecraft of all kids, without using any form of digital computers? All sensors, attitude control, thrusters, life support systems, GN&C, communication, command and data handling are all analog, and somehow fed through a mutated creature that is this "navigator", who uses a magical spice to fold the very fabric of spacetime itself? And none of this needs to be even remotely explained or even mentioned how actually works?

Other works of science fiction often refrain from explaining the inner workings of arbitrary technology too, but in those cases the underlying concepts or ideas that are implied (or stated explicitly) are often familiar ones that are easy to imagine -- the reader can fill in the voids and gaps on his/her own, however with Dune I'm unable to do this. It seems impossible.

It is perhaps at least as hard to accept that weapons are near useless, due to everyone in a military situation being equipped with a "shield", which supposedly causes subatomic fusion upon being struck by directed energy from a weapon. To suppose that nothing, not particle weapons nor energy weapons are useful at all, because of a shild that can stop ANYTHING, seems not only unrealistic but makes again for a poor excuse as means to exclude such weapons from the universe altogether.

In all Dune seems more like a desert fantasy universe with the technology so distant and so remote that it is felt as if it is not even there at all. The ideas and concepts seem more magical than scientific.

Due to the age of the work I expected a space opera/soft science fiction -- little talk about technology and science, but as I've tried to explain there is less than that, there is so little science in the book that fantasy is perhaps a better term.

Although if you can live with what I've briefly mentioned so far, the rest of the book must be said to be great, but there are plenty of other reviews that deal with what the book is really about. I'm just disappointed from a *science fiction* point of view.

Kindle Version Review ***
While I would regularly rate this book 5 stars, the Kindle version is very poorly edited, and formating and spelling errors occur regularly. Words with missing spaces in between them show up on almost every other page. Just because something is in a digital format doesn't mean the publisher gets a pass on, what should be, run of the mill quality control for every single book they put out. Also, a note to Amazon. Book reviews need to be separated by format and editions. I cannot stress this enough. My complaints about this book are irrelevant to anyone who's not looking at the Kindle version, yet it will show up as a review for all versions of this book. This is a particular problem with popular public domain books, like Pride and Prejudice, that have multiple releases from different publishers, all with varying quality of of formating and editing, yet still share reviews.

Kindle Version Review ***

While I would regularly rate this book 5 stars, the Kindle version is very poorly edited, and formating and spelling errors occur regularly. Words with missing spaces in between them show up on almost every other page. Just because something is in a digital format doesn't mean the publisher gets a pass on, what should be, run of the mill quality control for every single book they put out.

Also, a note to Amazon. Book reviews need to be separated by format and editions. I cannot stress this enough. My complaints about this book are irrelevant to anyone who's not looking at the Kindle version, yet it will show up as a review for all versions of this book. This is a particular problem with popular public domain books, like Pride and Prejudice, that have multiple releases from different publishers, all with varying quality of of formating and editing, yet still share reviews.

Wow *****
I'm not usually excited by sci-fi, but this book is a tapistry of religion, politics, behavior, spirit, etc.

Wow *****

I'm not usually excited by sci-fi, but this book is a tapistry of religion, politics, behavior, spirit, etc.

A classic. By which I mean, really boring. **
Herbert has masterfully written a deep, fleshed-out, utterly unappealing world and filled it with complex characters who are impossible to relate to. Now that I have read it I will check the box on the back of my geek credentials and never pick this book up again.

A classic. By which I mean, really boring. **

Herbert has masterfully written a deep, fleshed-out, utterly unappealing world and filled it with complex characters who are impossible to relate to. Now that I have read it I will check the box on the back of my geek credentials and never pick this book up again.

The true standard for literary science fiction *****
Any genuine understanding of science fiction begins with Dune. It is not only a quantum leap ahead of anything from its time, it is arguably still today rarely equaled and even more seldom surpassed, in spite of the fact that Frank Herbert's successors have his own work (and all of the ensuing derivative work from the intervening decades) to guide them. Although Herbert originally wrote six Dune novels, I have come to think of the first three as a single work, simply because I never feel like I am done reading if I stop at the end of the first or even the second book. So this review should be considered to regard Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune. If you are not willing to read at least those three (and the second three, while worthwhile, are much less contiguous and less indispensable), you are missing a good deal of what is great about this work. The first word that comes to mind to describe Dune is "smart." Herbert's main writing innovation is the amount that he leaves out. Although the POV is omniscient, it is still the POV of an omniscient in Herbert's world and not in ours. So, there is much that could have been written to acclimate a visitor from our world to the world of Dune. Herbert's mastery is in leaving it all out, and still leaving you totally aware (at least, if you are paying careful attention) of what you didn't read explicitly. The author never underestimates his readers, instead making leaps in narrative, character arc, and history, and expecting you to follow. You find yourself rising to the challenge, and feel smarter just by virtue of having read and understood. The characters are also "smart." I have read science fiction from childhood on, and the more I read, the more I am amazed at how intelligent the characters in Dune are. There are factions within factions, schemes within schemes, bitterly opposed and fully developed characters locked in truly epic struggles for their own survival, the survival of their respective dynasties, and the success of plans whose maturity is measured in millennia. And the best part is, none of these characters need to be described as geniuses--we already know that just by reading. There is an old political joke that a candidate, when asked how he will address a given problem, answers "I'll just imagine a guy smarter than me, then do what he would do." Obviously, it's not that easy. The same concept holds in writing fiction--it is impossible for a character to be both well developed and smarter than the author. This is doubly true in science fiction, where the myriad plot and character threads must intertwine with a society truly alien from our own, which nonetheless has a dazzling array of strictures in its religious, political, economic, and metaphysical aspects, all of which must be consistent and believable. Herbert set an extremely ambitious goal in creating the world of Dune, and the cast of characters with which to populate it. And he accomplishes that goal in grand style. It is the literary equivalent of knocking one out of the park, in the bottom of the ninth of World Series game 7. If you like science fiction and have not read Dune, you will be astounded at what you have been missing. If you do not (yet) like science fiction, you may find it both too dense and too vague, as a certain amount of literacy in the genre is required before you can confidently fill in the blanks and make the leaps required by the text. It is the book equivalent of a movie where you can't miss a moment, for fear of not understanding something later on. That said, you shouldn't let the book intimidate you, as it is a real pleasure to read. If I got more out of it in my 30's than I did in my teens, that is only to be expected. But whenever I have read it, I have been not only entertained, but broadened, awakened--in a word, edified.

The true standard for literary science fiction *****

Any genuine understanding of science fiction begins with Dune. It is not only a quantum leap ahead of anything from its time, it is arguably still today rarely equaled and even more seldom surpassed, in spite of the fact that Frank Herbert's successors have his own work (and all of the ensuing derivative work from the intervening decades) to guide them.

Although Herbert originally wrote six Dune novels, I have come to think of the first three as a single work, simply because I never feel like I am done reading if I stop at the end of the first or even the second book. So this review should be considered to regard Dune, Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune. If you are not willing to read at least those three (and the second three, while worthwhile, are much less contiguous and less indispensable), you are missing a good deal of what is great about this work.

The first word that comes to mind to describe Dune is "smart." Herbert's main writing innovation is the amount that he leaves out. Although the POV is omniscient, it is still the POV of an omniscient in Herbert's world and not in ours. So, there is much that could have been written to acclimate a visitor from our world to the world of Dune. Herbert's mastery is in leaving it all out, and still leaving you totally aware (at least, if you are paying careful attention) of what you didn't read explicitly. The author never underestimates his readers, instead making leaps in narrative, character arc, and history, and expecting you to follow. You find yourself rising to the challenge, and feel smarter just by virtue of having read and understood.

The characters are also "smart." I have read science fiction from childhood on, and the more I read, the more I am amazed at how intelligent the characters in Dune are. There are factions within factions, schemes within schemes, bitterly opposed and fully developed characters locked in truly epic struggles for their own survival, the survival of their respective dynasties, and the success of plans whose maturity is measured in millennia. And the best part is, none of these characters need to be described as geniuses--we already know that just by reading.

There is an old political joke that a candidate, when asked how he will address a given problem, answers "I'll just imagine a guy smarter than me, then do what he would do." Obviously, it's not that easy. The same concept holds in writing fiction--it is impossible for a character to be both well developed and smarter than the author. This is doubly true in science fiction, where the myriad plot and character threads must intertwine with a society truly alien from our own, which nonetheless has a dazzling array of strictures in its religious, political, economic, and metaphysical aspects, all of which must be consistent and believable. Herbert set an extremely ambitious goal in creating the world of Dune, and the cast of characters with which to populate it. And he accomplishes that goal in grand style. It is the literary equivalent of knocking one out of the park, in the bottom of the ninth of World Series game 7.

If you like science fiction and have not read Dune, you will be astounded at what you have been missing. If you do not (yet) like science fiction, you may find it both too dense and too vague, as a certain amount of literacy in the genre is required before you can confidently fill in the blanks and make the leaps required by the text. It is the book equivalent of a movie where you can't miss a moment, for fear of not understanding something later on. That said, you shouldn't let the book intimidate you, as it is a real pleasure to read. If I got more out of it in my 30's than I did in my teens, that is only to be expected. But whenever I have read it, I have been not only entertained, but broadened, awakened--in a word, edified.

A classic book *****
Frank Herberts "Dune" is, for me, one of the most intelligently written pieces of literature I have ever read. I think the people that write negative reviews about this book have not concentrated fully whilst reading the text. He has an abstract way of describing events, which sometimes demands that one gives 100% concentration to what's being written. Otherwise, I can see how his work can be described as boring and long-winded. However, THIS IS NOT A DAN BROWN NOVEL. It is not an easy fix. My favourite thing about his writing is his ability to explain, clearly and easily, how people interact. How they feel, think and talk. He takes basic communication and makes it interesting, bringing you into the mind of the given character, and allowing you to love him, as if it was you speaking. The plot is at first a rather strange one. But upon reading a few of the squeals one sees the magnitude of the universe that frank has created. Honestly said, I was not blown away by the first book, but I was naive. I didn't give it the attention it deserved. Upon reading Dune Messiah I realised what I was in for in the forthcoming sequels. Now, I'm addicted. And there's no going back. Oh dear, what have I done?

A classic book *****

Frank Herberts "Dune" is, for me, one of the most intelligently written pieces of literature I have ever read. I think the people that write negative reviews about this book have not concentrated fully whilst reading the text. He has an abstract way of describing events, which sometimes demands that one gives 100% concentration to what's being written. Otherwise, I can see how his work can be described as boring and long-winded. However, THIS IS NOT A DAN BROWN NOVEL. It is not an easy fix. My favourite thing about his writing is his ability to explain, clearly and easily, how people interact. How they feel, think and talk. He takes basic communication and makes it interesting, bringing you into the mind of the given character, and allowing you to love him, as if it was you speaking. The plot is at first a rather strange one. But upon reading a few of the squeals one sees the magnitude of the universe that frank has created. Honestly said, I was not blown away by the first book, but I was naive. I didn't give it the attention it deserved. Upon reading Dune Messiah I realised what I was in for in the forthcoming sequels. Now, I'm addicted. And there's no going back. Oh dear, what have I done?

abridged hardback version ***
I read the papertback when it first came out but a few yeasr ago found the illustrated hardback advertised here. I have recently started to re-read the series and would like to know where the rest of this hardback version is. The blurb states that this contains over 600 pages which is the length of the paperback. This version runs to only 413 pages for the story. If I remember correctly the first page of the paperback starts by telling us it is the year 10000 plus as in the intro of the film. The hardback begins later in the story with the testing of Paul in the box. There is nothing of the Emperor and I seem to have missed the space folding journey to Dune with the Space Guild and no visitors from Ix. Can someone clear up what the hardback version is based on and why it appears to be about 200 pages short.

abridged hardback version ***

I read the papertback when it first came out but a few yeasr ago found the illustrated hardback advertised here. I have recently started to re-read the series and would like to know where the rest of this hardback version is. The blurb states that this contains over 600 pages which is the length of the paperback. This version runs to only 413 pages for the story. If I remember correctly the first page of the paperback starts by telling us it is the year 10000 plus as in the intro of the film.

The hardback begins later in the story with the testing of Paul in the box. There is nothing of the Emperor and I seem to have missed the space folding journey to Dune with the Space Guild and no visitors from Ix.

Can someone clear up what the hardback version is based on and why it appears to be about 200 pages short.

Superb *****
I'm not generally into science fiction but this is a truly magnificent book. I would recommend it to everyone, whether they like science fiction or not.

Superb *****

I'm not generally into science fiction but this is a truly magnificent book. I would recommend it to everyone, whether they like science fiction or not.

Not the masterpiece it's supposed to be. **
The science fiction genre has produced some works that combine undeniable literary quality with entertainment value. Think of John Wyndham, Olaf Stapledon, Brian Aldiss amongst others. But don't think of Frank Herbert's Dune. Not that it's terrible - there is a sustained level of inventiveness in its creation of its universe and it was innovative for its time. On the downside, as others have observed, the writing plods, the characterisation is rather two-dimensional and the socio-political content is naive at best. If you want a wildly inventive and entertaining account of a barely imaginable far-distant future there are better books around. Check out 'Hothouse' by Brian Aldiss or 'Last and First Men' by Olaf Stapledon. If you want literary weight check out 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller. For entertainment try out anything by Peter Hamilton. Of course all these books have their flaws, but for my taste they are all better than Dune.

Not the masterpiece it's supposed to be. **

The science fiction genre has produced some works that combine undeniable literary quality with entertainment value. Think of John Wyndham, Olaf Stapledon, Brian Aldiss amongst others. But don't think of Frank Herbert's Dune. Not that it's terrible - there is a sustained level of inventiveness in its creation of its universe and it was innovative for its time. On the downside, as others have observed, the writing plods, the characterisation is rather two-dimensional and the socio-political content is naive at best. If you want a wildly inventive and entertaining account of a barely imaginable far-distant future there are better books around. Check out 'Hothouse' by Brian Aldiss or 'Last and First Men' by Olaf Stapledon. If you want literary weight check out 'A Canticle for Leibowitz' by Walter M. Miller. For entertainment try out anything by Peter Hamilton. Of course all these books have their flaws, but for my taste they are all better than Dune.

A true masterpiece *****
Dune is a classic, deservedly so, its also a cult classic which has been adapted for the screen, TV and game series and there is bound to be complete dirth of information for anyone considering buying the books online on particular aspects of the storyline. In the distant future of mankind dynastic houses contest for ascendency within a single imperium, their power and that of the emperor is balanced against that of the CHOAM, an intergalactic corporate force with monopoly control of freight and transport between worlds and finally a sisterhood of witches manipulating blood lines to produce a messianic super being. Arrakhis, known as Dune, is a planet which takes on a pivotal role as the source of spice, a narcotic and vital to space navigation, in the power game and with that the desert planet's ecology, including the giant sand worms, desert people, the Fremen, feature strongly. This novel is amazing, the pace and tone, characterisation is difficult to properly appreciate in a short review, all I can do is strongly recommend it as an unrivalled and original talent. A story with so many wheels within wheels, so much intrigue and highly rendered sophisticated exchanges (seriously this book with great economy of words conveys much which sociologists and others have sought to bring to light about conversation, contact, conduct) and attention to how religion and ideology mutate over the VERY long term (Orange Catholics, Zensunni etc.) yet it isnt dull for a moment. This edition's cover art is perfect, its wonderfully evocative of the story and the story itself is so arabesque and evocative of deserts, struggle and destiny. A work of art.

A true masterpiece *****

Dune is a classic, deservedly so, its also a cult classic which has been adapted for the screen, TV and game series and there is bound to be complete dirth of information for anyone considering buying the books online on particular aspects of the storyline.

In the distant future of mankind dynastic houses contest for ascendency within a single imperium, their power and that of the emperor is balanced against that of the CHOAM, an intergalactic corporate force with monopoly control of freight and transport between worlds and finally a sisterhood of witches manipulating blood lines to produce a messianic super being.

Arrakhis, known as Dune, is a planet which takes on a pivotal role as the source of spice, a narcotic and vital to space navigation, in the power game and with that the desert planet's ecology, including the giant sand worms, desert people, the Fremen, feature strongly.

This novel is amazing, the pace and tone, characterisation is difficult to properly appreciate in a short review, all I can do is strongly recommend it as an unrivalled and original talent.

A story with so many wheels within wheels, so much intrigue and highly rendered sophisticated exchanges (seriously this book with great economy of words conveys much which sociologists and others have sought to bring to light about conversation, contact, conduct) and attention to how religion and ideology mutate over the VERY long term (Orange Catholics, Zensunni etc.) yet it isnt dull for a moment.

This edition's cover art is perfect, its wonderfully evocative of the story and the story itself is so arabesque and evocative of deserts, struggle and destiny. A work of art.

Epic Masterpiece *****
Not much more can be said about this book than has already been said. I finally read it after countless recommendations and putting it off for years. I was skeptical that it would be as good as everyone said it is, but it is. Frank Herbert shows himself to be a keen observer of human nature, political intrigue and conspiracy, religion, and the depths and variations of human emotion. His characters are believable and range from psychopathic and ruthless, to morally weak and conformist, to courageous and authentic. Complex, expansive, moving, and exceedingly well written. I can't wait to finish the series.

Epic Masterpiece *****

Not much more can be said about this book than has already been said. I finally read it after countless recommendations and putting it off for years. I was skeptical that it would be as good as everyone said it is, but it is. Frank Herbert shows himself to be a keen observer of human nature, political intrigue and conspiracy, religion, and the depths and variations of human emotion. His characters are believable and range from psychopathic and ruthless, to morally weak and conformist, to courageous and authentic. Complex, expansive, moving, and exceedingly well written. I can't wait to finish the series.

Comparative to LOTR? *****
While it is quite true that comparing this series to that of LOTR is a bit absurd, I will not bow down to the opinions of those who believe Dune doesn't hold a candle to LOTR. In risk of being redundant, I disagree with the opinion that Dune does not delve deeply enough into the characters, or that they are comparably to cheap commercials. The largest issue people have with Dune, especially those who find it boring, is that they simply cannot grasp the various theories being played out through the novel. If you consider yourself a strong reader, a philosopher, and a person of many angles who isn't reliant on the straightforwardness of "good" versus "evil" as many of a lower intelligence are, this is the read for you. This book will keep your mind sharp throughout its read, and you might even learn something about the time chaos theory.

Comparative to LOTR? *****

While it is quite true that comparing this series to that of LOTR is a bit absurd, I will not bow down to the opinions of those who believe Dune doesn't hold a candle to LOTR. In risk of being redundant, I disagree with the opinion that Dune does not delve deeply enough into the characters, or that they are comparably to cheap commercials. The largest issue people have with Dune, especially those who find it boring, is that they simply cannot grasp the various theories being played out through the novel. If you consider yourself a strong reader, a philosopher, and a person of many angles who isn't reliant on the straightforwardness of "good" versus "evil" as many of a lower intelligence are, this is the read for you. This book will keep your mind sharp throughout its read, and you might even learn something about the time chaos theory.

Not LOTR, No, definately not. It's much better. ****
I will surely burn but I have to say it; "DUNE" stands head and shoulders above LOTR. LOTR is good but it is predictable. Dune has much more detailed and it's scope wider. Certainly, "Dune" is the harder read but much more worthwhile. This book digs much deeper into the nature of humanity, its goals, its weaknesses, strengths, and the nature of religions. Comparing the books is, however, like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they are both fruits, both are round-ish, both are tasty, and both grow on trees but they are very different. One book is about a quest and the battle between good and evil. The other is about the battle between humans who are both good and evil at the same time. It is a book about "wheels within wheels" that exist in each of our natures and in our society. Dune is amazing and worthy of reading twice or three times to see the layers.

Not LOTR, No, definately not. It's much better. ****

I will surely burn but I have to say it; "DUNE" stands head and shoulders above LOTR. LOTR is good but it is predictable. Dune has much more detailed and it's scope wider. Certainly, "Dune" is the harder read but much more worthwhile. This book digs much deeper into the nature of humanity, its goals, its weaknesses, strengths, and the nature of religions.

Comparing the books is, however, like comparing apples to oranges. Yes, they are both fruits, both are round-ish, both are tasty, and both grow on trees but they are very different. One book is about a quest and the battle between good and evil. The other is about the battle between humans who are both good and evil at the same time. It is a book about "wheels within wheels" that exist in each of our natures and in our society. Dune is amazing and worthy of reading twice or three times to see the layers.

This is NOT Lord of the Rings **
Comparing this 500 page sleeping pill to Lord of the Rings is like comparing a Rolls Royce Phantom II to a 1975 Pinto. Dune has some good ideas and in some parts the story really pick up, but over all this book is not as interesting, the characters are not as deep, and the writting style not as polished as Tolken's work. Paul Atreides is not as interesting as Frodo, or even Luke Skywalker. Jessica reminds me of Jan Brady or a 1970s coffee commercial where the character is always talking to themselves about the things around them. Gurney, I must admit reminded me of Sam, but only a little. Whether you like this book or not, Dune cannot hold a candle to LOTR. I must admit Dune has its interesting moments, but not enough for a good review. The reader will find himself or herself saying over and over again, "No, not another sand worm!" The writting style is deplorable. Herbert's prose is some of the worst I have ever read. Unlike Hawthorne, Dickens, and Melville, Herbert sentence structure is choppy, uneven, and cumbersome. I made it through this book, but I must admit, it did not hold my interest and I did breeze over a few pages. This book stinks! I give it a B plus for over all creativity. C minus for the story develpment D minus for style. D plus for Character development F for the micro-font this edition is printed in I know I am going to get tared and feathered for this review!

This is NOT Lord of the Rings **

Comparing this 500 page sleeping pill to Lord of the Rings is like comparing a Rolls Royce Phantom II to a 1975 Pinto. Dune has some good ideas and in some parts the story really pick up, but over all this book is not as interesting, the characters are not as deep, and the writting style not as polished as Tolken's work.

Paul Atreides is not as interesting as Frodo, or even Luke Skywalker. Jessica reminds me of Jan Brady or a 1970s coffee commercial where the character is always talking to themselves about the things around them. Gurney, I must admit reminded me of Sam, but only a little. Whether you like this book or not, Dune cannot hold a candle to LOTR.

I must admit Dune has its interesting moments, but not enough for a good review. The reader will find himself or herself saying over and over again, "No, not another sand worm!" The writting style is deplorable. Herbert's prose is some of the worst I have ever read. Unlike Hawthorne, Dickens, and Melville, Herbert sentence structure is choppy, uneven, and cumbersome.

I made it through this book, but I must admit, it did not hold my interest and I did breeze over a few pages. This book stinks!

I give it a B plus for over all creativity.
C minus for the story develpment
D minus for style.
D plus for Character development
F for the micro-font this edition is printed in

I know I am going to get tared and feathered for this review!

One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Trilogy Ever Conceived *****
The Dune Trilogy, written by award winning author Frank Herbert, is a spellbounding trilogy that captures the hearts of billions. At first glance, Dune seems no more than another tale of fueds and conspiracies, but after reading the book through, it is a complex, deep story that will keep you from putting the book down. The Dune Chronicals is by far one of the most compelling pieces of writting in modern literature and is science-fiction's answer J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'. Dune is a grand story and should never be without the rest of the Dune Trilogy that ties it's concept together. I myself am looking forward to the conclusion of the Dune Chronicals in Brian Herbert's 'Hunters of Dune' and 'Sandworms of Dune'.

One of the Greatest Sci-Fi Trilogy Ever Conceived *****

The Dune Trilogy, written by award winning author Frank Herbert, is a spellbounding trilogy that captures the hearts of billions. At first glance, Dune seems no more than another tale of fueds and conspiracies, but after reading the book through, it is a complex, deep story that will keep you from putting the book down. The Dune Chronicals is by far one of the most compelling pieces of writting in modern literature and is science-fiction's answer J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings'. Dune is a grand story and should never be without the rest of the Dune Trilogy that ties it's concept together. I myself am looking forward to the conclusion of the Dune Chronicals in Brian Herbert's 'Hunters of Dune' and 'Sandworms of Dune'.