Frank Herbert: The Works

by Bob R. Bogle

Author of the world-famous Dune series, and many other works as well, Frank Herbert (1920-1986) remains one of the most acclaimed masters of science fiction. Frank The Works is a comprehensive biography of the literary achievements – and sometimes disappointments – which constitute the legacy of the genre's most compelling figure. For the first time Herbert's complete works are considered in the chronological context of their times, in conjunction with his many short stories and other writings. Innumerable questions which fans have been pondering for decades find answers here. How did Herbert model an extended spectrum of consciousness within his novels? Was Herbert at heart a scientist or a mystic? How did Herbert envision the interface between spacetime, energy, matter, and the mind? How might he have written the last volume of his Dune series had he lived? What emerges is a new synthesis and appreciation for the expansive mind of a truly original writer and artist whom we lost too soon.

Genres: Science Fiction

1002 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2012

About the author

Bob R Bogle has been a cell biologist, a phycologist, an oceanographer, a clinical chemist, a histocompatability technologist (Frankenstein business), a reluctant hematologist, a microbiologist, a blood banker, a father, a Dylanologist, an aficionado of Frank Herbert, Ernest Hemingway, Herman Melville, Walt Whitman and James Joyce, and a life-long writer. Most of his professional training was at the University of Arizona in Tucson.

Reviews

[Saul · Rating 5 out of 5]

Until I read this book, I had no idea what was going on in Dune. Sure, I knew I liked it. And yes, I read the books and watched the SciFi channel's TV mini-seires countless times. But still...in hindsight it seems I never really understood the deep philosophy behind this great work. No more! FRANK HERBERT: THE WORKS by Bob Bogle took me through a step by step analysis, starting with Herbert's earliest days as a SF writer and continuing throughout his entire career. Honestly, I didn't realize how ignorant I was of Herbert's earlier writings, and never dreamed they were a formative component of Herbert's philosophical study. All of which, laid the foundation for one of science fiction's greatest novel series. Now I'm armed to the teeth and can look at Dune with new eyes. I imagine fans of all types will be greatly rewarded by reading this book, and like me will want to go back and read the entire series again.

If you just like Dune, you really should read this book. If you're a serious connoisseur or writer of science fiction, this is a MUST read.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

For many, the name Frank Herbert is associated only with the sci-fi masterpiece that is Dune. Indeed for many, their appreciation doesn’t go beyond Children of Dune - a mistake in my view as God Emperor is the best!

There is of course a whole body of work left by Herbert outside of the Dune series, both before and after. Bogle presents an extremely comprehensive and in depth look at Herbert’s literacy legacy.

From the early, faltering beginnings he takes us on a journey of development and we can witness the growth of Herbert’s, style and talent. This is is enhanced by the colour of the times he was writing in. Bogle gives a flavour of the politics and culture surrounding Herbert and therefore, on some level influencing his writing. Event the drugs he was dabbling in are given space. But he goes further, he looks at the very philosophies and science that Herbert was reading and digesting at each stage. And it is here that Bogle really shows real deep understanding. Whether it be science of genetics or the concepts of higher consciousness Bogle has an astoundingly broad and detailed knowledge to back up his critiques of the works discussed.

If you are an ardent fan of Herbert’s then be prepared. Bogle does not pull his punches and is harsh in some of his appraisals - especially of the early books. It is not though like many critics, just bellyaching - he has good arguments for being hard on some of the works - though in some cases I find I can’t quite agree - in most I do.

In short, this book is a valuable addition to any sci-fi library. It will greatly enhance understanding and enjoyment of Herbert’s work but give a fascinating insight into the influences that work upon a writer and how they manifest themselves into plots, characters and good fiction. If you are anything like me it will also leave you with a long list of books to get and subjects to read up on. Next up - researching Karl Japser’s crises.

[Deane P. · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I was asked to review this book, I did so with some hesitancy. One expects to find an analytical book regarding an author and his works to be obscure and full of speculation, unfounded theories, and a general lack of approachability. I was pleasantly surprised to find myself mostly mistaken in my presuppositions of this book.

Mr. Bogle goes to painstaking effort to provide real examples of the premises he espouses in this book. Of particular interest to me, were the anecdotes from Mr. Herbert's life that corroborated the ideas set forth. In general I found the author's voice to be clear concise, yet somehow able to remain in the background. The entire book was about Mr. Herbert, not Mr. Bogle. For that alone, I thank him.

There were. of course, portions of this book that did not suit my tender sensibilities. The lengthy discussion of Heisenberg, Schrodinger, and n-space was information my poor little brain just will not assimilate. That Mr. Bogle knows this material well was evident, but not of particular interest to me.

Overall, I found this to be an engaging discussion of Mr. Herbert's writings and personal history. The parallels from one to the other, and the evolution of Mr. Herbert's themes was well researched and well presented. I would not hesitate to recommend this book to the interested reader.

[Michael Brady · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bob Bogle's "Frank Herbert: The Works" is a heartfelt and voluminous biography, appreciation, critical analysis of Frank Herbert's books and his life as a writer. I read it mostly to better understand the Dune Saga and I'm glad I did. I'd forgotten how complicated the later books in the series had been and Bogle's analysis and synthesis helped tease some of the tangled story lines apart. I've only read two other books by Herbert, "Hellstrom's Hive" and "White Plague." I imagine I'd have enjoyed "The Works" even more if I'd read all the stories and novels that fell under Bogle's watchful eye for fine detail.

[David Teachout · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely delightful to read. Bogle's grasp of Herbert's philosophy and how he wove it into his writing is impressive and his analysis of how Herbert's life events tied into it all is simply breath-taking. Reading this is like getting "Dune" opened up to a whole new level. Definitely worth reading.

[Jim Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

An epic length exploration of an epic writer. Bogle's book is occasionally exhausting, making it congruent with Herbert's books.It offers much to think about, and reminds me of many good moments of past reading.