Author: Frank Herbert
Cover Artist: Gerry Grace
Publisher: New English Library
Binding: Paperback
Publication Date: 1999
Dune, for those unaware of its existence, is a science fiction novel written by Frank Herbert and published in 1965. Winning both the the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award in the year 1966, the novel claimed its place among the science fiction greatest. According to some sources, it was the first bestselling hardcover science fiction novel ever and with a total of 12 million copies sold, the single bestselling science fiction novel of our time. Dune has been widely influential, inspiring other novels (written by his son Brian and Kevin J. Anderson), music, films (most notably the Star Wars films), television series, video games and even comic books. I could go on with my list of popular media that have been influenced by this novel, but what it comes down to is this:
Dune is a masterwork and can rightfully considered to be among the classics in the genre.
The novel is set far in the future amidst a sprawling feudal galactic empire where planetary kingdoms are controlled by noble Houses that owe allegiance to the Imperial House of the Padisha Emperor, Shaddam Corrino IV. While the Padisha Emperor rules the Empire supreme from his Imperial Court on the planet Kaitain, power is shared among three factions. There is the Emperor who enforces his power by controlling the Sardaukar soldier-fanatics. Then there is the Spacing Guild, a powerful organization with their monopoly on interstellar space travel. The Guild also controls the banking aspect of the Empire, regularly employing it to advantage in its dealings with the Empire, the Noble Houses, and other factions. The third faction is an assembly known as the “Landsraad”, which collectively represents the great houses. The Landsraad is often divided, as each of the great Houses is in constant competition for planetary kingdoms, political power and Imperial favor.
The narrative in Dune is concerned with the coming of age of young Paul Atreides (heir to Duke Leto of House Atreides), as he and his royal family relocate to the desert planet known as Arrakis. The planet Arrakis is the only source of the spice melange, one of the most valuable substances in the Empire. Arrakis is home to wandering tribes, the Fremen, the only race capable of living in the harsh desert conditions. Water is extremely rare and gigantic sandworms are among the few fauna to be found on the planet. Problems arise when the Harkonnen noble House, the former stewards of Arrakis, don’t want to give up their privilege. Through subtle sabotage and treachery they try to undermine the rule of the House Atreides. Anticipating problems, the Atreides duly arm themselves – but then tragedy strikes from a shockingly unexpected place.
The online dictionary defines a ‘classic’ as “an artist, author, or work generally considered to be of the highest rank or excellence, especially one of enduring significance”. The astonishing number of popular media influenced by Dune clearly shows its ‘enduring significance’, both in the genre and outside the genre, but Dune can be considered classic for other reasons. The novel was the first major ‘ecological science fiction’, as Herbert extensively focuses on the ecological aspect of the planet Arrakis. Also, not unlike Heinlein’s Stranger in a Strange Land it represented a move towards a slightly more literary approach to the science fiction novel. Before this move towards the literary approach, good science fiction was said to only need an interesting speculative concept. Characterization of the protagonist(s) and world building were secondary to the speculative nature. Dune reversed these roles with its vivid portrayal of Paul Atreides and with its well thought-out eco-system of planet Arrakis.
Frank Herbert also deliberately understated the speculative technology in the Dune universe (and hardly explains its role and function in society) so he was able to address the future of human kind, instead of the future of the technology. The narrative also explores multilayered political intrigue of the Empire and often strange and mystical religious beliefs thoroughly. It was one of the first science fictions efforts to do so and marked a breakthrough.
So what we are dealing here with is a landmark of soft science fiction and a classic in the every sense of the word. But does Dune live up to today’s standards?
Yes, very much so. I would argue it is still holds up to today’s standards in terms of quality of writing, world building and characterization. Many of the technological concepts in older science fiction novels are outdated and don’t have “edge” of speculation on where technology will take us anymore, because it has either happened already or the idea was too far-fetched in the first place. Dune however, with its suppressed technology, is still relevant and enjoyable to today’s science fiction readers.
The characterization of many characters is impressive. The young Paul Atreides is a round, fully realized character and I suspect many readers will find his struggles to come to terms with the legacy immersing. It certainly was to me. His mother Jessica, Duke Leto Atreides and Gurney Halleck are worthy of note as well. A strong female character like Jessica Atreides; the novel should be accoladed for having such a character in 1965. Moreover Frank Herbert doesn’t just focus on a single character, but each one is given its fair share of attention. I think the eye for the small details is what makes these characters really come alive.
The world building is equally impressive. Dune is truly epic world building, world building as it meant to be. It doesn’t rival the epic sweeps of JRR Tolkien’s Middle-Earth, but certainly comes close and that itself is quite the achievement. Once again, it is the eye for detail that defines the hand of a master. This is not a patchwork of alien-sounding languages, strange customs and non-relevant histories thrown together in the Galactic mixer, no, the cultural elements present are in balance and plausible. Herbert imagined almost every facet of his creation and his dedication to this project shows. The novel comes with a host of glossaries, quotes, documents, and histories — all meant to convey a real sense of history. It is a rich universe, almost begging the reader to take the plunge in these imaginary worlds. I didn’t refuse this invitation.
Dune is well-paced throughout but stumbles near its conclusion. Paul’s ascension is a steady and thus believable one – right until the ending, which is a little bit rushed. A bit of a shame really and a minor flaw of an otherwise crystal-clear quality science fiction effort. As interesting and sympathetic Paul is when he faces his problems and comes to terms with them, he loses some appeal as character in the end. I won’t go in details because I don’t want to spoil the novel for those who haven’t read it yet, but the ending bows before spectacle. As a result, it is not that emotionally shattering as it could have been. Yet, as I said, it is a minor criticism and its significance pales when you weigh it against the merits of the novels.
It is hard to fault this novel, this classic. So I am not going to do that and instead recommend it to everyone who’s willing to listen to my bantering. Dune’s status as landmark of science fiction is wholly deserved. Gripping and vividly, it tells us the ascension of a hero and at the same time marked the ascension of a star in the field. A star that still shines as bright as it did when it was first published in 1965.
