Frank Herbert began his science fiction career, like many sf writers of his generation, by publishing short stories in pulp magazines. Unlike many of his peers, though, he was not a prolific writer in the short form and in 1955, after three years and only a handful of short stories, he published his first novel, THE DRAGON UNDER THE SEA (aka UNDER PRESSURE), which was a critical success, receiving the International Fantasy Award. In the period from 1963 to 1965, Herbert produced two extended sho more...
Frank Herbert began his science fiction career, like many sf writers of his generation, by publishing short stories in pulp magazines. Unlike many of his peers, though, he was not a prolific writer in the short form and in 1955, after three years and only a handful of short stories, he published his first novel, THE DRAGON UNDER THE SEA (aka UNDER PRESSURE), which was a critical success, receiving the International Fantasy Award. In the period from 1963 to 1965, Herbert produced two extended short novels in magazine installments, that, when combined as DUNE, brought him worldwide acclaim. Having long been concerned about about environmental issues, Herbert had set out to write a somewhat allegorical tale about the lack of concern regarding dwindling Earthly resources--he has written that he chose the name DUNE for its similarities with the word "doom." Eventually writing five sequels, the Dune books are among the most well-known and admired science fiction works in the world--with Arthur C. Clarke stating that the only comparison to them is THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Much of Herbert's other work, while not as well known, is nearly as impressive. In 1966 and 1973, he published two books--THE GREEN BRAIN and HELLSTROM'S HIVE--examining insect-hive mentality, the former among actual insects, the later in humans. HELLSTROM'S HIVE is generally regarded as his best book, after the first Dune book. The novel DESTINATION: VOID, an examination of computers and artificial intelligence was, along with three sequels co-written with Bill Ransom, arguably a major influence on the mid- to late-1980s science fiction movements like cyberpunk. When Herbert succumbed to pancreatic cancer in 1986, the science fiction community lost perhaps its most outspoken proponent of environmental reform, and certainly one of its most beloved authors.less...
Emily wrote a review on Dune (Remembering Tomorrow)
Frank Herbert's DUNE presents a society and universe created entirely by the author. The story was very complex, and written wonderfully with just the right amount of discription. Herbert made up his own religions and forms of politics which are absolutely enchanting. One of the story's components was the classic "coming of age" tale. Paul, heir to a Dukedom, moves to the world Arrakis, aka Dune, where his father has taken control. However, a rival family isn't too happy about the situation. Thus unfolds a tale of conspiricy and wonder, and Paul is suddenly revealed as a legendary man foretold. I especially enjoyed the psychological accounts of Paul's metamorphis. However, I really didn't like the person he became, but I prefer this change. The book was a tad more political than sci-fi, and the story becomes rather entangled in itself. I was very impressed by the complete world Herbert created, but I found myself not as absorbed as I perhaps should be. The ending, the last couple pages, were rather disappointing, compared with other highlighs of the novel. There are many thought-provoking one-liners and symbolism in the book. However, I am still not absolutely enthralled with it. Still, I recommend this to any who enjoy fantasy worlds.
Frank Herbert's DUNE presents a society and universe created entirely by the author. The story was very complex, and written wonderfully with just the right amount of discription. Herbert made up his own religions and forms of politics which are absolutely enchanting. One of the story's components was the classic "coming of age" tale. Paul, heir to a Dukedom, moves to the world Arrakis, aka Dune, where his father has taken control. However, a rival family isn't too happy about the situation. Thus unfolds a tale of conspiricy and wonder, and Paul is suddenly revealed as a legendary man foretold. I especially enjoyed the psychological accounts of Paul's metamorphis. However, I really didn't like the person he became, but I prefer this change. The book was a tad more political than sci-fi, and the story becomes rather entangled in itself. I was very impressed by the complete world Herbert created, but I found myself not as absorbed as I perhaps should be. The ending, the last couple pages, were rather disappointing, compared with other highlighs of the novel. There are many thought-provoking one-liners and symbolism in the book. However, I am still not absolutely enthralled with it. Still, I recommend this to any who enjoy fantasy worlds.
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