One of the best selling fantasy novels of all time is also in Latvian

The Dune is a dazzling combination of adventure and spiritual quest, conservation and politics, winning the first Nebula Award (1965), becoming a Hugo Award winner (1966), and laying the foundation for what is arguably the most impressive sci-fi epic. The novel has also been filmed several times, the last film adaptation came to the public in 2021 (director Deniss Villeneuves).

“The Dune” tells the story of the boy Paulus Atreides, scion of a noble family whose house is charged with ruling the desert planet Arrakis. What makes it precious is only the melange or spais, a substance capable of enhancing consciousness and prolonging life. Melange is coveted by people across the known universe, willing to kill for it.

An attack by traitors on House Atreides sets Paul on a path to a destiny more impressive than any of his wildest dreams. Gradually growing into a man and taking on the mysterious name of Muad’Dib, he is entrusted with the path to humanity’s oldest and most elusive dream.

The novel is regarded as an epic example of literary world-building. Science fiction classic Arthur Clarke said that “The Dune is to science fiction what The Lord of the Rings is to fantasy.”

Frank Herbert (1920 – 1986) was an American science fiction author, who inspired countless followers with his work, neither George Lucas’ Star Wars nor George RR Martin’s Game of Thrones can be imagined without The Dune.