Tom Huddleston’s The Worlds of Dune: The Places and Cultures that Inspired Frank Herbert (2023) is a beautifully designed book that explores the range of ideas and concepts that inspired Frank Herbert in the writing of his 1965 science fiction masterpiece, Dune. Through an introductory biography chapter followed by twelve chapters named after planets, characters, and other elements in Dune, Huddleston looks at various political, environmental, and social influences that help show the many layers of meaning in Herbert’s complex novel. Each chapter is accompanied by images from art history, film, books, comics, and photographs that bring the story to
Read moreReview of Ryan Britt’s The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies
In The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies (2023), Ryan Britt has written an engaging and entertaining history of Frank Herbert’s Dune and the winding road it has taken to become a pop culture fixture. Its clever chapter titles and charming tone make for an enjoyable read. Weaving interviews with analysis and humorous commentary, Britt brings together a wide range of materials to explore the history of Dune, and he manages to make the feat look effortless! Thirteen chapters cover the different stages in the life of this famous science fiction story,
Read moreReview of A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune. An Oral History by Max Evry
It’s got scandals, hot takes, regrets, and reflections. It’s got serious musings alongside funny anecdotes. It’s all about the infamous Dune film adaptation by David Lynch, and whatever you think of the original film (or extended version, or fan edits…) you won’t want to miss this engaging story about this fateful production. In Max Evry’s new book, A Masterpiece in Disarray: David Lynch’s Dune. An Oral History, he provides a behind-the-scenes look at the 1984 film adaptation of Frank Herbert’s science fiction book, Dune (1965), with the benefit of nearly four decades of time for reflection. As an experienced film
Read moreReview of Dune: Betrayal Game
My review of the quick card game Dune: Betrayal from Gale Force Nine is up at DuneNewsNet. Hopefully in future plays I won’t get betrayed! 🙂 Review – ‘Dune: Betrayal’ Card Game
Read moreReview of Gina Cole’s Na Viro – Pasifika science fiction
I’ve been waiting for a science fiction novel like Na Viro (2022) by New Zealand author Gina Cole. Threaded with Pacific and Māori imagery, terms, and worldviews, it clearly represents Pasifika science fiction and showcases what Cole has termed ‘Pasifikafuturism’ in a beautiful and engaging way. It also centers on women’s experiences—grandmother, mother, sister—and takes their strength and capability in the face of personal and technical challenges as a given. Though great at what she does, the main character, Tia, has doubts and family troubles like all of us. She has to find ways to overcome her fear of deep
Read moreDune: Imperium Custom Painted Miniature Game Pieces
My Dune: Imperium game pieces were kindly painted by my brother-in-law on my trip back to the US and they turned out great. My favorite is of course the Bene Gesserit blue! Here are close-ups of the Bene Gesserit, Guild, Sardaukar, Fremen, and Mentat miniatures:
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