Herbert, Frank - Introduction

Frank Herbert 1920–

American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. Herbert is a science fiction writer who questions the limits of the physical and spiritual qualities of mankind and comments on the future effects of ecological abuse. His novels combine the technological and the psychological, and have as their theme the problems inherent in man's manipulation of his environment. Herbert's Dune trilogy contains many of his literary characteristics. It is an epic description of the quest and destiny of a superior human, Paul Muad'Dib, who seeks enough water to save his planet. Herbert created a complete civilization in these works, including full descriptions of its history, philosophies, and physical makeup. Although the novels have been criticized for their complexity, they are popular and well respected among science fiction readers, and are often cited by those who maintain that science fiction should be considered serious literature. Dune was the winner of the 1965 Nebula Award and cowinner of the 1966 Hugo Award. Herbert's interest in social and ecological concerns is reflected in his background. He served as a consultant in these areas in Pakistan and Vietnam, as well as in the United States. He has had many varied occupations, such as oyster diving, and has taught both creative writing and jungle survival. Herbert has edited several newspapers, and has contributed short stories to magazines such as Astounding Science Fiction, which printed the first versions of the Dune mythology. His first novel, Dragon in the Sea, was the cowinner of the 1956 International Fantasy Award. Although Herbert has been consistently popular, he has become something of a cult figure during the present decade. Despite the esoteric and extremely detailed nature of some of his works, young adults have found that they can relate his subjects and concerns of the future, especially the ecological situations, to their own questions about themselves and their world. (See also Contemporary Authors, Vols. 53-56, and Something about the Author, Vol. 9.)