Herbert, Frank

DUNE
Frank Herbert
ACE 1965
PB 544 pages (includes appendixes, glossary, and map--39 pages)
ISBN # --my copy doesn't have one!

I had to tape the cover back onto this old favorite before I could read it again (for the fifth time). Frank Herbert's classic definitely outclasses any film with the same title to date. Why do so many fans keep coming back to this book again and again? Maybe because it's a great adventure story ... a young man caught up in the winds of his time: lots of action! But Herbert captures the essence of character and place with a precision yet rendered by film.

Dune is set in the distant future, on the far distant planet of Arrakis, also called Dune because of its Sahara-like environment. This planet is peopled by savages known as Fremen, a people who have been prepared (many centuries earlier) to accept a "voice from the outer-world" as a savior and prophet. Our young hero, Ducal heir-designate Paul Atreides from the planet Caladan has also been prepared, but for a different future, one of great power.

Circumstances abandon Paul on Arrakis. Hunted by Imperial troops until thought dead, he make a new life with the Fremen (as their prophet) until he can achieve his dream of revenging himself on the ruler of the galaxy--the Padishah Emperor Shaddam IV--for the murder of his father and the destruction of his father's household. 

Dune is an incredible world of amazing treasure and enormous monsters; and one of the best stories science-fiction has to offer.
 

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