How Many Dune Books Are There? (Reddit)

The answer, deceptively simple at first glance, is: it depends on what you consider canon and who wrote them. Officially, there are six Dune novels written by Frank Herbert: Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Heretics of Dune, and Chapterhouse: Dune. However, the Dune saga extends far beyond these core works, thanks to contributions from Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson, who have expanded the universe with numerous prequels, sequels, and side stories. This brings the total number of Dune related books, including short stories and supplemental materials, to over 20.

Navigating the Shifting Sands of the Dune Universe

The complexities arise from the question of literary ownership and the perceived quality of the later works. Frank Herbert meticulously crafted a complex and philosophical universe, exploring themes of ecology, politics, religion, and the dangers of prescience. The books written by his son and Anderson, while undeniably popular and commercially successful, are often viewed by hardcore fans as lacking the depth and nuance of the original series.

The Frank Herbert Canon: The Sacred Texts

These are the foundational pillars of the Dune universe. Each book builds upon the previous, expanding the scope of the story and delving deeper into the characters’ motivations and the intricate web of power that governs the Imperium. These works are characterized by their dense prose, philosophical musings, and explorations of complex moral dilemmas.

The Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson Expansion: The Extended Universe

After Frank Herbert’s death, his son Brian Herbert, in collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson, embarked on a mission to fill in the gaps in the timeline and provide closure to unresolved plot threads. They have written numerous prequels, exploring the origins of the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, and House Atreides, as well as sequels that continue the story beyond Chapterhouse: Dune, using notes and outlines left by Frank Herbert. These books are generally considered less philosophically dense and more focused on action and plot-driven narratives.

FAQs: Digging Deeper into the Dune Lore

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dune book series, addressing common points of confusion and providing clarity on the different aspects of this vast literary universe:

1. What is the reading order of the Dune books?

The most common and recommended reading order is chronological by publication date:

1. Dune (Frank Herbert)
2. Dune Messiah (Frank Herbert)
3. Children of Dune (Frank Herbert)
4. God Emperor of Dune (Frank Herbert)
5. Heretics of Dune (Frank Herbert)
6. Chapterhouse: Dune (Frank Herbert)
7. Dune: House Atreides (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
8. Dune: House Harkonnen (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
9. Dune: House Corrino (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
10. Dune: The Butlerian Jihad (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
11. Dune: The Machine Crusade (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
12. Dune: The Battle of Corrin (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
13. Hunters of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
14. Sandworms of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
15. Paul of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
16. The Winds of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
17. Sisterhood of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
18. Mentats of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
19. Navigators of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)
20. Dune: Worlds of the Imperium (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson)

This is just a selection; there are other shorter works and prequels that delve even deeper into specific characters and events.

2. Are the Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson books considered canon?

This is a highly debated topic among Dune fans. Officially, they are considered canon by the Herbert estate. However, many long-time readers consider only the original six Frank Herbert novels to be true canon, viewing the subsequent books as expanded universe material or fan fiction, albeit officially sanctioned. The stylistic differences and perceived changes to established lore contribute to this viewpoint.

3. Which Dune book is the best?

Dune (the first book) is almost universally considered the best Dune novel. It masterfully establishes the world, characters, and themes that define the series. Its complexity, philosophical depth, and engaging narrative make it a landmark in science fiction literature.

4. Which Dune book is the worst?

This is subjective, but Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune, the two books that conclude Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s continuation of the series, are often cited as the weakest. Many readers find their plotlines convoluted and their characters inconsistent with those established in the original series.

5. What order should I read the Dune books for the first time?

For newcomers, starting with the original six Frank Herbert novels is strongly recommended. This provides the purest and most authentic Dune experience. Once you’ve finished those, you can decide whether you want to delve into the prequels and sequels based on your enjoyment of the original series.

6. Are there any Dune short stories?

Yes, there are several Dune short stories, most of which were written by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson. These stories explore various corners of the Dune universe and often focus on specific characters or events that are not explored in detail in the novels. Some of the most notable short story collections include Dune: Tales of Arrakeen and stories published in science fiction magazines.

7. What is the “Butlerian Jihad”?

The Butlerian Jihad is a pivotal event in the Dune universe, a galaxy-wide war against thinking machines that resulted in the prohibition of artificial intelligence. This event is crucial to understanding the societal and technological landscape of the Dune universe, and it is explored in detail in Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson’s prequel series.

8. What is “Spice” and why is it important?

Spice (Melange) is a naturally occurring substance found only on the planet Arrakis. It extends life, enhances mental abilities, and is essential for interstellar travel. This makes it the most valuable commodity in the Dune universe, and the control of Arrakis is the key to power.

9. What are the Great Houses in Dune?

The Great Houses are the noble families that control the various planets and territories within the Imperium. They wield immense political and economic power, and their rivalries and alliances shape the course of events in the Dune universe. Some of the most prominent Great Houses include House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino.

10. What are the Bene Gesserit?

The Bene Gesserit are a secretive and powerful sisterhood that possesses advanced mental and physical abilities. They are skilled in manipulation, observation, and genetic engineering, and they play a crucial role in shaping the destiny of humanity. They aim for the Kwisatz Haderach, a male Bene Gesserit with prescient abilities, a crucial part of their intricate breeding program.

11. What happened to Frank Herbert’s planned Dune 7?

Frank Herbert intended to write a seventh Dune novel, but he died before he could complete it. Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson used his notes and outlines to write Hunters of Dune and Sandworms of Dune, which they consider to be the conclusion of the original series.

12. Is it worth reading the Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson Dune books?

Whether or not the Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson books are “worth” reading is a matter of personal preference. If you are a hardcore Dune fan who wants to explore every corner of the universe and learn more about the events leading up to and following the original series, then you may find them enjoyable. However, if you are primarily interested in the philosophical depth and literary quality of the original Frank Herbert novels, you may be disappointed. It’s generally recommended to approach them with lower expectations and a more casual mindset.