Frank Herbert: Unpublished Stories

Book excerpt: This collection of short fiction features “newfound treasures” from the New York Times–bestselling author of Dune (Midwest Book Review). Even the author of Dune—the best-selling science fiction novel of all time—had trouble getting published. At first, Frank Herbert wanted to be a writer, and though today his name is practically synonymous with world-building and epic science fiction, Herbert didn’t start out with a particular genre in mind. He wrote mainstream stories, mysteries, thrillers, mens’ adventure pieces, humorous slice-of-life tales. And, yes, some science fiction. For the first time, this collection presents thirteen completed short stories that Frank Herbert never published in his lifetime. These tales show a great breadth of talent and imagination. Readers can now appreciate the writing of one of the field’s masters in a kaleidoscope of new stories./