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Dune Hardback - 1984
by Frank Herbert
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About this book
The first in the epic science fiction series of the same name, Dune is set on the desert planet Arrakis, host to "the Spice" - the most important resource in the universe, needed for interplanetary travel and coveted for its effects on longevity and granting incredible psychic powers among humans. Amidst an intergalactic power struggle, would-be heir to the planet's stewardship Paul Atreides is cast out into the desert to die following a coup. Joining a group of zealots called the Fremen, Paul soon becomes considered their messiah - Mahdi - and recognizes in them a formidable fighting force with whom he can retake control of Arrakis. Dune won both the Hugo Award for Best Novel and the Nebula Award for Best Novel.
Summary
Here is the novel that will be forever considered a triumph of the imagination.
Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, who would become the mysterious man known as Muad'Dib. He would avenge the traitorous plot against his noble family-and would bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream.
A stunning blend of adventure and mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what it undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction.
Reader reviews for Dune
Review summary
Readers largely praised Dune’s intricate worldbuilding—its ecology, politics, religion, and myth—while recognizing it as a foundational work of modern speculative fiction. Many reported a difficult, jargon-heavy start and shifting points of view that ease with patience, rereading, or the audiobook. Characters drew mixed reactions: Jessica and several side figures were standouts, but Paul was often seen as remote or overpowered, with dialogue and interiority sometimes feeling stilted. Critics flagged dated gender roles, a white-savior arc, and homophobic villain coding; some nonetheless viewed the book as progressive for 1965. Pacing was a common complaint—strong early sections, a sluggish middle, an abrupt time jump, and a finale some found rushed or anticlimactic. Even skeptics acknowledged its cultural impact, with many recommending it despite reservations.
Readers say this book is:
immersivedensethought-provokingfoundationalrich worldbuildingchallenging startuneven pacingdated prosepolarizingrushed endingWrite a review for this book
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First line
IN THE week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul.
First edition identification
Dune is one of the high points for science fiction collectors and was first published in 1965 by Chilton Book Company in Philadelphia (an interesting departure for the publisher, who to that date had only published automotive repair manuals). The true first will read "First Edition" on the copyright page, with no subsequent printings, and will be in blue cloth boards. The jacket is a pictorial dark red and blue desert scene, and the rear panel has a map. The price on the jacket flap should be $5.95 and the rear flap should have the Chilton address across four lines.
Beware mistaking the more widely-published Book Club Edition as a true first. Although this is one of the rare cases where a BCE has value to collectors, there is a dramatic price difference between the two.
Beware mistaking the more widely-published Book Club Edition as a true first. Although this is one of the rare cases where a BCE has value to collectors, there is a dramatic price difference between the two.
Details
- Title Dune
- Author Frank Herbert
- Binding Hardback
- Edition Book Club (BCE/B
- Pages 517
- Volumes 1
- Language ENG
- Publisher Putnam Adult, New York
- Publication date April 16, 1984
- ISBN 9780399128967 / 0399128964
- Weight 1.85 lbs (0.84 kg)
- Dimensions 9.34 x 6.3 x 1.66 in (23.72 x 16.00 x 4.22 cm)
- Age range 18 to UP years
- Grade levels 13 - UP
- Reading level 800
- Category Fiction - Science Fiction
- Library of Congress subjects Science fiction, Dune (Imaginary place) - Fiction
- Library of Congress Catalogue Number 83016030
- Dewey Decimal Code FIC
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by Frank Herbert
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