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Lawrence of Arabia and Dune Article on Tor.com

June 3, 2021 scholar Criticism

I’m so pleased to have my piece comparing Lawrence of Arabia and Seven Pillars of Wisdom with Frank Herbert’s Dune published on the science fiction and fantasy site Tor.com. There was a lot of material to cover

Similar Sisters: Catholic Nuns and the Bene Gesserit

April 2, 2021 scholar Criticism

Catholic nuns and the Bene Gesserit in Dune have much in common: from titles and clothing to discipline and influence – these are women with a mission. As sisters clothed in black, they are committed

Female Jesuits: The Catholic Origins of the Bene Gesserit

March 19, 2021 scholar Criticism

Jesuit and Gesserit: it’s not a coincidence they sound alike. The real-life Jesuits in Roman Catholicism and the Bene Gesserit characters in Frank Herbert’s novel Dune have many parallels, including their commitment to service, missionary

Eugenics and the Breeding Program in Dune

March 5, 2021 scholar Criticism

The influence of eugenics on Frank Herbert’s Dune emerges most clearly in the Bene Gesserit’s philosophy and breeding program, but is also visible in Paul Atreides’ concern with his terrible purpose. Ideas in the book

Dune: Imperium Board Game Review

January 14, 2021 scholar Community

Dune: Imperium (2020) retains the essence of factions fighting for control of resources, but brings them out into the main gameplay more than its predecessor Dune (2019) board game. It feels more like you are playing politics

Dune (2019) Board Game Review

January 5, 2021 scholar Community

If you’re looking for another way to immerse yourself in the Dune universe beyond the books, playing the Dune (2019) board game (also called DUNE: A Game of Conquest, Diplomacy & Betrayal) is a good

Wonder Woman and Bene Gesserit illustration

Bene Gesserit: The Wonder Woman of Dune?

December 23, 2020 scholar Criticism

Wonder Woman wields her Lasso of Truth, using it to make others tell the truth or obey her, while the Bene Gesserit in Dune engage their abilities in the Voice and Truthsaying, using them to command

two head silhouettes with space background

Social Sciences and World-Building in Dune

December 8, 2020 scholar Criticism

How did Frank Herbert use his research into social sciences such as history, psychology, and linguistics to develop the world of Dune? Although Dune has been heralded as a world-building masterpiece, there has been little

The Bene Gesserit’s Vocal Analysis Skills in the Voice and Truthsaying

October 9, 2020 scholar Criticism

The Bene Gesserit can control other people just by using their voice in Frank Herbert’s science fiction novel Dune (1965). They can also determine whether someone is telling the truth. These techniques are based on