Frank Herbert– First Edition Books: Identification Guide

Franklin Patrick Herbert Jr. (October 8, 1920 – February 11, 1986) was an American science fiction author best known for the 1965 novel Dune and its five sequels. Though he became famous for his novels, he also wrote short stories and worked as a newspaper journalist, photographer, book reviewer, ecological consultant, and lecturer.

Herbert’s early life was shaped by the Great Depression, which had a profound impact on his worldview. Growing up in poverty, he developed a strong sense of social justice and a fascination with politics and power dynamics. These influences would later find expression in his writing.

After serving in World War II, Herbert pursued a career in journalism, working for various newspapers and magazines. This experience honed his writing skills and deepened his understanding of the intricacies of human nature. It also provided him with valuable insights into politics and the workings of society, which would become central themes in his novels.

Herbert’s first published novel, “The Dragon in the Sea” (1956), explored the psychological and political aspects of submarine warfare. However, it was his epic science fiction novel “Dune,” published in 1965, that catapulted him to international acclaim. The Dune saga, set in the distant future, and taking place over millennia, explores complex themes, such as the long-term survival of the human species, human evolution, planetary science and ecology, and the intersection of religion, politics, economics and power in a future where humanity has long since developed interstellar travel and settled many thousands of worlds. It follows the story of Paul Atreides as he navigates the treacherous world of Arrakis, a desert planet rich in a valuable resource known as spice. “Dune” won the Hugo Award for Best Novel in 1966 and went on to become one of the best-selling science fiction novels of all time.

Frank Herbert began researching Dune in 1959. He was able to devote himself wholeheartedly to his writing career because his wife returned to work full-time as an advertising writer for department stores, becoming the breadwinner during the 1960s, where the novel Dune was published in 1965, which spearheaded the Dune franchise.

Dune took six years of research and writing to complete and it was much longer than commercial science fiction of the time was supposed to be. Analog Magazine (the renamed Astounding, still edited by John W. Campbell) published it in two parts comprising eight installments, “Dune World” from December 1963 and “Prophet of Dune” in 1965. It was then rejected by nearly twenty book publishers. One editor prophetically wrote, “I might be making the mistake of the decade, but …”.

Sterling E. Lanier, an editor of Chilton Book Company (known mainly for its auto-repair manuals) had read the Dune serials and offered a $7,500 advance plus future royalties for the rights to publish them as a hardcover book. Herbert rewrote much of his text. Dune was soon a critical success. It won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1965 and shared the Hugo Award in 1966 with …And Call Me Conrad by Roger Zelazny. Dune was the first major ecological science fiction novel, embracing a multitude of sweeping, interrelated themes and multiple character viewpoints, a method that ran through all Herbert’s mature work.

In a 1973 interview, Herbert stated that he had been reading science fiction “about ten years” before he began writing in the genre, and he listed his favorite authors as H. G. Wells, Robert A. Heinlein, Poul Anderson and Jack Vance.

The success of “Dune” led Herbert to expand the story into a series of sequels, collectively known as the Dune series. This sprawling saga, consisting of six novels, delved deeper into the intricate political and religious tapestry of the “Dune” universe. The series examined themes such as environmentalism, messianic narratives, and the cyclical nature of history. Herbert’s meticulous world-building, rich character development, and philosophical explorations captivated readers and cemented his status as a visionary author.

Dune and the Dune saga constitute one of the world’s best-selling science fiction series and novels; and is frequently considered one of the best science fiction novels ever, if not the best. Locus subscribers voted it the all-time best SF novel in 1975, again in 1987, and the best “before 1990” in 1998.

Tragically, Frank Herbert passed away on February 11, 1986, at the age of 65. However, his influence on the science fiction genre and his enduring legacy continue to thrive. The Dune series, in particular, has had a profound impact on popular culture, with film adaptations, video games, and a dedicated fan base keeping Herbert’s vision alive.

Frank Herbert’s literary contributions expanded the boundaries of science fiction and challenged readers to engage with profound philosophical questions. His ability to create immersive worlds, complex characters, and thought-provoking narratives solidified his place as one of the most significant and influential science fiction authors of the 20th century. His works continue to captivate readers and inspire new generations of writers, ensuring that his legacy will endure for years to come.

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame inducted Frank Herbert in 2006.

Frank Herbert – First Edition Identification Guide

Note: This list only includes works published prior to 1984.

Frank Herbert – First Printing Dust Jacket Identification Points

Gallery of First state Dust Jackets of Herbert’s works. Only includes the first appearance in book form. Either the UK or US edition and does not include later printings.

Reference:

• Wikipedia
• L. W. Currey, Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors: A Bibliography of First Printings of Their Fiction and Selected Nonfiction.