Buzz
Before Frank Herbert introduced the world to the first installment of his extraordinary Dune series—often hailed as the science fiction counterpart to The Lord of the Rings—few believed it could succeed as a standalone novel.
The lengthy 215,000-word manuscript faced rejection 23 times from publishers, and even Herbert's agents were skeptical. However, these early struggles only enhance the story's charm. To date, the initial book has sold more than 20 million copies and has been translated into numerous languages. Here are some fascinating tidbits about this legendary series.
1. Frank Herbert drew inspiration from Oregon's 'Moving Sands.'
The journey began with an abandoned magazine piece. By the 1950s, Oregon's coastline was battling a significant ecological threat: sand dunes. As Herbert mentioned in a 1957 letter:
"Sand dunes, driven by constant winds, form waves similar to ocean waves, though they move at twenty feet per year instead of twenty feet per second. These waves can be as destructive as tidal waves, causing property damage… and even fatalities. They engulf forests, destroy wildlife habitats, obliterate lakes, and clog harbors."
The U.S. Department of Agriculture initiated experiments with beach grasses near Florence, Oregon. A specific species with extensive roots was planted extensively to stabilize the shifting sands. Intrigued, Herbert visited the area and began compiling notes for an article titled “They Stopped the Moving Sands.” However, his agent insisted on a rewrite before submission, which Herbert never completed. Despite this, Herbert's fascination persisted, and after studying deserts and religious figures, he developed the concept that would become Dune.
2. Psychedelic Mushrooms Also Shaped Dune.
“The spice must flow!” In Herbert’s Dune universe, the most prized resource is an edible substance called “melange,” or “spice.” Found exclusively on the desert planet Arrakis, this highly addictive material grants extended lifespans and, in some cases, the ability to foresee the future.
Does this sound surreal? There’s a good explanation. During a conversation with mycologist Paul Stamets, Herbert shared that the universe of Dune was inspired by the lifecycle of mushrooms, with his creativity further fueled by a more “magical” type.
3. Frank Herbert had earlier tested Dune-like themes in an unfinished story titled “Spice Planet.”
The story’s hero, Jesse Linkam, navigates a harsh alien desert alongside his 8-year-old son, Barri. “Spice Planet” delves into themes later expanded in Dune, such as substance dependency. Ultimately, Herbert revisited his ideas, setting aside this early draft until his son later adapted it into a new narrative based on Frank’s original concept.
4. Dune was initially published as a serialized story.
Before becoming the beloved novel it is today, Dune was released in installments. Two major segments—Dune World and Prophet of Dune—were split into eight parts and featured in Analog magazine between 1963 and 1965.
5. Dune was published by a company primarily recognized for its car repair guides.
Chilton Publishing—a modest Philadelphia-based firm—took on Herbert’s magnum opus in 1965.
6. Frank Herbert intentionally minimized the use of technical jargon in Dune.
By prioritizing plot, themes, and characters over futuristic technology, Dune diverges from conventional sci-fi. Despite its considerable length (for its era), Herbert rarely delves into the mechanics of his world, believing excessive technical details would alienate everyday readers.
7. Dune incorporates several references to Zen Buddhism.
As Brian Herbert noted in Dreamer of Dune: The Biography of Frank Herbert, his father “was drawn to Zen Buddhism,” an influence evident in Dune through fictional religious practices such as “Zensunni” and “Zensufi,” which are said to have emerged from a blend of Zen Buddhism and Sufism (Islamic mysticism). Herbert was also familiar with the works of Zen master Alan Watts, whom he encountered in the 1960s.
8. Before Dune, Frank Herbert served as a speechwriter for political campaigns.
From 1950 to 1960, he participated in four political campaigns—all of which ended in defeat.
9. Dune earned the inaugural Nebula Award in 1966.
Today, this is a prize every science fiction author aspires to win. Additionally, it tied for the 1966 Hugo Award for Best Novel with Roger Zelazny’s …And Call Me Conrad (This Immortal).
10. Children of Dune became the first science fiction novel to top the New York Times bestseller list in both hardcover and paperback formats.
Initial sales for the original Dune were slow, but by the release of the third book, 1976’s Children of Dune, a dedicated fanbase had formed, eagerly consuming it in massive quantities.
11. A board game based on Dune was introduced in 1979.
For enthusiasts, a digital adaptation is now accessible online.
12. A canceled Dune movie adaptation was planned to feature music by Pink Floyd and star Salvador Dalí.
“I aimed to create a film that would replicate the LSD-induced hallucinations without requiring the audience to take the drug,” said aspiring director Alexandro Jodorowsky. He seemed well on track, having enlisted Pink Floyd for the soundtrack and surrealist artist Salvador Dalí to play Emperor Shaddam Corrino IV. The film would have also been an epic 14 hours in length.
13. When David Lynch’s Dune premiered, theaters handed out glossaries to explain its complex terminology.
Lynch’s infamous flop is nearly impossible to follow without prior knowledge of the book. Recognizing this, cinemas provided patrons with supplementary guides to clarify Dune’s elaborate lore. However, these didn’t impress Roger Ebert, who described the film as an “ugly, disjointed, and aimless dive into one of the most convoluted scripts ever written.” Ouch!
14. Early versions of George Lucas’s Star Wars shared striking similarities with Dune.
Initial drafts of Star Wars featured battles between feudal houses reminiscent of Dune. While these elements were eventually cut, references to “spice mines” and the desert planet Tatooine remained. Coincidence? Herbert didn’t think so; he humorously suggested forming a “We’re Too Big to Sue George Lucas” club with other sci-fi authors.
15. The low plains on one of Saturn’s moons are named after planets from the Dune universe.
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, features shadowy low plains called planitia, each named after planets in Dune. The first such plain discovered is named “Chusuk Planitia,” paying homage to the fictional, music-centric planet Chusuk.
Additional Sources: Dreamer of Dune: The Biography of Frank Herbert and The Road to Dune.
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