Herbert Frank. Dune

Frank Herbert’s novel appeared long before the space opera genre became widely popular. The book received the Hugo and Nebula awards for its outstanding contribution to the development of science fiction. Dune is considered one of the greatest science fiction works of all time and is often cited as the best-selling novel of its genre in history. Later, Herbert wrote a series of sequels, and David Lynch’s film adaptation, two miniseries, and computer games were released. In 2021, Denis Villeneuve’s film of the same name premiered on the big screen. The literary universe of Dune was further expanded by the author’s son, Brian Herbert, and Kevin J. Anderson.

The novel’s action takes place in the distant future, in the midst of an expansive feudal intergalactic empire, where planetary fiefs are controlled by noble families loyal to the Imperial House of Corrino.

At the center of the story is young Paul Atreides, heir to Duke Leto Atreides. The family moves to the planet Arrakis, the only source of the spice melange in the universe. The author creates a vast canvas depicting complex political, religious, ecological, and technological issues. The fates of Paul himself, his family, the native inhabitants of Arrakis, the Emperor, and powerful guilds and orders are closely intertwined. The great struggle among the world’s powerful leads to global changes affecting all of humanity.