Accessible, research-based analysis of Frank Herbert's science fiction series
My extended essay on the comparisons between Lawrence of Arabia and Dune, particularly the main character of Paul Atreides, has been published in a limited edition chapbook and prints set by Withnail Books. It includes rare illustrations in both black and white and color from the T.E. Lawrence’s 1926 memoir, Seven Pillars of Wisdom, showing the uncanny similarities in these books. Find more details on the Lawrence/Atreides: The Roots of Dune page on the publisher’s site.
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My latest article Dune’s Discomfort with Religion is up on the American Philosophical Association’s site. I look again at the way the films Dune: Part One (2021) and Dune: Part Two (2024) by director Denis Villeneuve distort the portrayal of key characters and concepts from the book.
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My review of the Dune: Imperium – Bloodlines game has been published on Dune News Net. This expansion adds Sardaukar troops, more characters, and new mechanics; just enough complexity to make things more interesting without being overwhelming. Check out the review: https://dunenewsnet.com/2025/09/review-dune-imperium-bloodlines-board-game-expansion/
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My series of articles exploring the Fremen characters in Frank Herbert’s Dune continues at DuneNewsNet. Find out more about these desert dwellers and how they were inspired by real-world peoples and cultures: Part 2: Dune’s Ecologists Part 1: Fighters of ‘Dune’
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I’m excited to be giving an in-person talk at Auckland Libraries on Thursday, February 27, 2025 on Frank Herbert’s Dune as a special feature in their Other Worlds exhibition of science fiction materials from their collections. This is a chance to gain a better appreciation of how Herbert crafted this incredible world using real-world cultures and models, and how the key themes in this story are still relevant to us today. I’ll also be selling copies of my books if you want to grab a signed copy. 🙂 Free event – come along if you’re in town and also check
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Dune News Net’s podcast Dune Talk featured five of us discussing the recently released HBO television series Dune: Prophecy (season 1) and our likes, dislikes, and speculations about the next season. You can find the podcast episode on YouTube (below) or other formats via the website. And if you haven’t checked out my written reviews of each episode, you can find the list of them on Dune News Net as well.
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