Frank Herbert: A Biography of a Sci-Fi Classic. Dune Chronicles Saga

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:46

Who is Frank Herbert? Outstanding writer, classic of science fiction literature. Among his awards are many literary prizes. It was Herbert who was recognized as one of the best writers of all time! His most famous book can be called the novel "Dune", where the author considers topics such as religion, ecology, politics and reflects on the survival of all mankind! We invite you to get to know this unique writer better!

Herbert's biography

Frank Herbert, whose full name sounds like Frank Patrick Herbert Jr., was born on October 8, 1920 in Tacoma, Washington. Since childhood, he dreamed of being a writer. This is probably why Frank, after graduating from school in 1938, went to work for the famous Glendale Star newspaper. It is worth noting that he lied about his age! Before becoming a professional writer, Herbert changed severalpublications, graduated from the University of Washington, even taught. In addition, Frank Herbert's track record includes work for the Lincoln Foundation as an environmental consultant.

During the Second World War, Frank served as a photographer in the Navy, but after six months of service he was on commission.

Private life

In 1941, Herbert legalized his relationship with Flora Parkinson, but four years later this marriage broke up, despite the appearance of his daughter Penny. In 1946, Frank Herbert met Beverly Ann Stewart. In the same year they got married, a year later - in 1947 - the couple had their first child, and in 1951 - the second.

It is worth saying that married life was not easy. For the sake of a writing career, Beverly's husband had to give up all his creative plans. Frank and his wife discuss all aspects of their stories. She was also its editor. By the way, the history of this relationship is described by Herbert in the book "Dune Dreamer". After Beverly's death, the writer married again - to Teresa Shackelford.

Creative path

Frank Herbert's first work is a story called "Looking for something?" (Looking for Something?). This story was published in Startling Stories in 1952. During the fifties of the last century, the science fiction writer managed to publish about 15 stories. At the same time, the novel The Dragon in the Sea (“Dragon in the Sea”) was published, which was later published under the title Under Pressure (“Under Pressure”). But all these works did not bring such popularity to Frank Herbert,as the 1963 publication of the amazing novel The World of Dune. The novel was published in Analog magazine and became the first part of an exciting saga. A sequel, Prophet of Dune, was later released by Analog.

In the mid-60s, both parts were combined into one full novel. This work instantly fell in love with readers from all over the world, received a worldwide vocation. "Dune" was awarded a number of prestigious awards, including "Hugo" and "Nebula". In 1969, another book by Frank Herbert from this series was published - Dune Messiah, in 1976 - Children of Dune. In the early 80s, readers were pleased with the book "God-Emperor of Dune", and three years later another sequel was published - "Heretics of Dune". The last book in the series, written by Herbert, is titled The Chapter of Dune, published in 1985. It is worth noting that the saga was continued by Frank's son Brian.

Among the works of Frank Herbert are the following:

• "The direction is emptiness" 1966.
• The Heaven Makers 1967
• "Star Under the Scourge" 1970.
• 1972 Soul Catcher
• White Plague 1982

The writer actively collaborated with other authors, for example, in collaboration with Bill Ranson, he published The Jesus Incident, The Lazarus Effect, The Ascension Factor. The result of joint work with his son was the book "Man of Two Worlds".

The Chronicles of Dune by Frank Herbert

The Dune Chronicles is an incredible hexalogy. It covers a period of five millennia! It is no coincidence that critics call this saga one of the most ambitiousepics throughout the history of world fiction.

The action of the first book begins in the distant future. Humans have already given up on robots and computers because of the rise of the machines. The main goal of every inhabitant of the galactic empire is the development of psychic abilities. Somewhere in the past, the planet Earth, the division by religions and nationalities.

What is the world of "Dune"? This is an aristocratic empire with a monarchical system that covers the entire universe! The most important substance in the entire universe is a certain "Spice" - melange. Without it, it is impossible to carry out any space flight. The only source of "Spice" in the universe is a planet called Arrakis. It is in this deserted place that the events of all the books of the cycle unfold.

It is worth saying that this saga had a huge impact on world culture. Based on the book by Frank Herbert, three films were made, five computer games were released. Based on the "Dune" musicians created their own works. Even George Lucas admitted that there are many references to this work in Star Wars!