As the author of the world-famous Dune series, as well as of numerous other science fiction novels, Frank Herbert (1920-1986) has long been regarded as one of the most acclaimed masters of the genre.

Frank Herbert: The Works is a comprehensive critical biography of the literary achievements – and sometimes stupendous disappointments – which comprise the literary legacy of this colossal figure who so long dominated the science fiction stage. For the first time Herbert's most famous works, including Dune, Dune Messiah, Children of Dune, God Emperor of Dune, Whipping Star, Destination: Void and The Santaroga Barrier, are considered chronologically in conjunction with his short stories and other writings. A new understanding of the deeper significances of his most well-known works emerges from the context of his lesser fiction and non-fiction, as well as from consideration of the times and places in which he worked. Answers to innumerable questions which Herbert's legions of fans have been pondering for decades are offered here, along with extensive supporting arguments and documentation. What emerges is a new synthesis and appreciation for the expansive mind of a truly original American writer and artist.

Among the problems tackled in this volume are these: How was Herbert influenced by the 1960s counterculture in San Francisco? How did he assemble the disparate pieces that synergized into Dune? What are some of the technical shortcomings of Dune? How did Herbert begin to model an extended spectrum of consciousness within his other novels, including Destination: Void and The Santaroga Barrier? Was Herbert at heart a scientist or a mystic? How prescient was he concerning the modern threat of terrorism? How did Herbert envision the interface between spacetime, energy, matter, and the mind? Did he see government as a dangerous, power- and control-seeking force determined to keep people down, or as an inevitable emergent property of social interaction that expresses a collective subconscious will? How might Frank Herbert have written the last volume of his Dune series had he lived? What is the connection between Paul Muad'Dib and the John F Kennedy assassination? What parallels did Herbert find between Richard M Nixon and the Weather Underground? How did private family relationships shape what Herbert could and couldn't write? What lessons may be drawn concerning the involvement of a brilliant author in the adaptation and appropriation of his work by Hollywood? What would Frank Herbert think of the modern conservative movement?

In recent years self-imposed limits seem incapacitating to the popular imagination. The spirit of Project Apollo is forgotten or sneered at by modern youth. Who now envisions the infinite possibilities all around us like Frank Herbert once did? But maybe we can take heart that in this reassessment of his accomplishments other new voices will find inspiration once more. Then may they venture not into the territory which Frank Herbert forever staked out as his own, but scatter boldly into the open arms of a boundless universe. For the only real risk we face is if we try to prevent all risks from challenging us to fulfill our human potential.

As Frank Herbert once wrote: "Surprise me, Holy Void!"