For over fifty years, Frank Herbert's science fantasy Dune has been rightly acknowledged as a masterpiece.
Not only a major accomplishment in the realm of science fiction/fantasy, to say it is one of the great epics of literature is not an overstatement. Herbert continued this story in five subsequent novels, and the saga continues in the writing of his son Brian Herbert. David Lynch filmed it with mixed results in 1984, and a new vision has been filmed by Denis Villeneuve.
The House of Atreides has been sent to rule Arrakis, the planet known as Dune. Duke Leto, Lady Jessica and their son Paul must acclimatize to a world so barren of water, every drop means life or death. Spice is the chief production on this world, a heady narcotic mixture that is part of nearly everything, part of life itself, which is dangerously mined in the desert, where constant watch is made for giant sand worms attracted by sound and vibration. This planet is ruled by several factions - the offworld Emperor, the Guild, and the Harrkonens - the ruthless head of which, Baron Harrkonen, is a sadistic tyrant who will not abdicate to the Artreides. As the characters clash, Paul and Lady Jessica are thrust out into the sands, discovering a hidden society, the Fremen, who are gearing up for a fight to reclaim Arrakis - the final sign the arrival of the leader, the Muad'Dib.
This is a brief glimpse at the world Herbert has created. Like other masterworks, this can be read on many levels, rich enough to easily offer another experience on second reading. My paperback copy is 884 pages, but they flew by while I was fully engaged in the story. There are hierarchal political struggles, religious systems and deviations, hope and romance, traitors, and just plain exciting adventure. Herbert was also an environmentalist, and the message of blindly depleting a planet of resources for profit at the expense of the people is a driving force of the novel. Underlying this story is the mystical Bene Gesserit, a school of female wisdom that transcends politics and position, both in counsel to the rulers and the power of the weirding ways of battle. This world is complex enough to satisfy any reader looking for a total experience. As wide in scope and appeal as The Lord Of The Rings, the is a timeless masterpiece I encourage you to read.
1965 / Paperback / 884 pages
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