The 1965 epic novel by Frank Herbert (1920–1986) about a desert planet has become one of the most successful science-fiction series ever. The original novel, Dune, led to five sequels and two films as well as a variety of nonfiction books, games, and Internet (see entry under 1990s—The Way We Lived in volume 5) sites. In addition, after the death of Herbert, his son, Brian Herbert (1947–), began publishing a series of "prequels" to the original story. The prequels focused on events set prior to the story told in Dune.

Set in a distant galaxy, Dune is the story of Paul Atriedes, son of Duke Leto, whose family is ordered by the Emperor to take charge of Arrakis, a desert planet that is the sole source for an addictive spice that produces mystical powers in some people. Before long, Duke Leto is betrayed and killed by agents of his mortal enemy...