Dune
Jacket art by Bryn Barnard
Giant in size and scope-widely hailed as one of SF's all-time great novels-Dune portrays a far-distant future, when hosts of scheming noblemen rule planets throughout the galaxy.
Emperor Shaddam IV is master of them all. But it is a time when intrigue and assassination are the most common forms of diplomacy. The Emperor can hold onto his throne only through the might of his Sardaukar, soldier-fanatics unequaled in ferocity and skill. Yet not even they could repel the forces of a united nobility, and that is the threat which turns Shaddam against Duke Leto, ruler of the planet Caladan.
Fearing the Duke's growing popularity and strength, the Emperor commands him to exchange rich and lovely Caladan for Arrakis, or Dune, a forbidding desert world.
Arrakis is just barely habitable by humans. Water there is worth its weight in platinum...600-mile-an-hour winds whip up sandstorms that can envelop an entire continent...and gigantic sandworms pose a constant, terrifying danger to all who venture out into the open desert.
What better place to arrange the "accidental" deaths of the Duke and all his household? And who better to carry out the task than Leto's arch enemy, Baron Vladimir Harkonnen?
Harkonnen succeeds-though not completely. The Duke and most of his men are wiped out soon after their arrival on Dune, but his lady, Jessica, and their son Paul escape.
The two flee into the desert, their survival no more than a slim hope...until they fall into the hands of the Fremen. Savage tribesmen who have their own secrets for surviving on Dune, the Fremen acknowledge no outside masters. Yet since ancient times, their legends have foretold the coming of the Lisan al-Gaib-the One who will lead them to Paradise-and they greet Paul as that long-awaited savior.
It is just the beginning of an incredible series of events, with consequences that will be felt on every world in the galaxy.
Hardcover: 576 pages
Publisher: The Putnam Publishing Group ( January 01, 1965 )
Item #: 41-7765
ISBN: 9780399128967
Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 8.25 x 0.9 inches
Product Weight: 24.0 ounces
Dune still soars!
January 19, 2010
I actually bought the entire Dune series written by Frank Herbert for my college-age son so that he would leave me my copies. Dune is brilliant and really draws you in. I so enjoyed reading each one, the prequels and the final two written by Brian and Kevin. It has been great introducing this series to my children. Dune is one book that's on my list of have to read again and again.
Reviewer: Linda G
Great Book
January 13, 2009
I first read this book 20 years ago and bought it because I couldn't find my original copy. If you like sci fi that makes you think, has iconic characters, and a truly multi-dimensional universe as a backdrop, this book--and the subsequent novels--is just the thing. I also recommend the sequel/prequel books by Frank Herbert's son. They are just as well written.
Reviewer: Barbara K
The Best of the Best!!
January 03, 2009
Frank Herbert is the Grandaddy of them all! This is Science Fiction at it's absolute finest, the world Herbert portrays is a real as they come; the characters are richly detailed, the political intrigues even better. This is where one should begin with the Dune series, this is where it all started. Very impressive work, masterfully written. Recommended highly!!
Reviewer: Shawn R
Dune
December 29, 2008
This is how sci-fi should be written. Everything from the plot and pacing to the characters, setting, and action will keep you riveted. You'll never read anything like this, and may just find your other favorites collecting dust.
Reviewer: Perry S
Awesome
October 25, 2008
One of the best books I have read in a long time. It is one of the only books that should never be made into a movie. Each one of the film addations are awful. Leave a good story alone.
Reviewer: Andrew G
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