Favorites > Science Fiction >

Dune, by Frank Herbert

He recalled the response from the Litany against Fear as his mother had taught him out of the Bene Gesserit rite.

'I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain.'

(from Dune)

I think the Litany against Fear - not simply the Litany, but the whole concept of the Bene Gesserit's instruction in mental control and discipline - was a major reason for my initial attraction to Dune.Very attractive to a teenager, and to an adult too, if it comes to that! Herbert's specialty is philosophical; he's a great place to go if you like interesting ideas. But he writes great stories, too - the philosophy merely adds depth. He's known for the Dune series, and the first book is assuredly the best, but it's worth digging out his other books too.

The Dune Chronicles:

Dune

Dune Messiah

Children of Dune

God Emperor of Dune

Heretics of Dune

Chapterhouse: Dune

Click on the book covers to go to Amazon and find out more about these books

Oddly enough, there are more books in the series - I say oddly, because Frank Herbert died before writing more. His son, Brian Herbert, has taken on his father's mantle. I confess I haven't read them, but perhaps I will, someday.

You can find the official Dune Website at: http://www.dunenovels.com/

Some other sites:

http://www.duneworld.org/

http://www.usul.net/

http://www.dreamersofdune.com/