Dune Prebound - 1999

Name: Dune
Price: 28.34 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Frank Herbert
ISBN: 9780881036367

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.

From the publisher

Here, in a beautiful new hardcover edition, is the novel that to this day continues to shape modern science fiction. Set on the desert planet Arrakis, a world more awesome than any other in literature, Dune begins the story of the man known as Maud'dib -- and of a great family's plan to bring to fruition humankind's most ancient and unattainable dream.

A stunning blend of adventure, mysticism, environmentalism and politics, Dune won the first Nebula Award, shared the Hugo Award, and formed the basis of what is undoubtedly the grandest epic in science fiction. Frank Herbert's death in 1986 was a tragic loss, yet the astounding legacy of his visionary fiction will live forever.

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.