Books

First edition of the second book in Herbert's classic Dune series. Octavo, original cloth. Signed by Frank Herbert on the title page. Near fine in a near fine dust jacket, name to the front free endpaper. Jacket painting by Jack Gaughan. Jacket photograph by George Westbeau. Exceptionally rare signed. An epic of imperial intrigue, Dune Messiah carries on the monumental story begun in Dune, which won the Nebula and Hugo awards. Paul "Muad'Dib" Atreides has become the most powerful emperor ever known, but is powerless to stop the lethal excesses of the religious juggernaut he has created. Although 61 billion people have perished, Paul's prescient visions indicate that this is far from the worst possible outcome for humanity. Motivated by this knowledge, Paul hopes to set humanity on a course that will not inevitably lead to stagnation and destruction, while at the same time acting as ruler of the empire and focal point of the Fremen religion. "Brilliant. It was all that Dune was, and maybe a little more" (Galaxy Magazine).

"Dune Messiah" is the second installment in Frank Herbert's renowned "Dune" series, continuing the saga of Paul Atreides, now known as Muad'Dib, the messianic figure and ruler of the desert planet Arrakis. Set in a distant future amidst a sprawling galactic empire, the story delves into the consequences of Paul's ascension to power after the events of the first book. Paul faces intricate challenges as the Emperor of the Known Universe. He's struggling to maintain control over his empire while dealing with the aftermath of his jihad, a religious war that has spread across the cosmos in his name. The weight of prophecy and the burdens of leadership weigh heavily on Paul as he grapples with the ethical dilemmas of his actions and the harsh realities of ruling a vast interstellar civilization. The narrative navigates a complex web of political intrigue, religious fervor, and personal sacrifice. Paul's prescience, the ability to foresee the future consequences of actions, becomes both a powerful tool and a haunting burden. His decisions are further complicated by the schemes of various factions, including the Bene Gesserit sisterhood, the Spacing Guild, and the power-hungry individuals vying for control. The story explores themes of leadership, destiny, sacrifice, and the ambiguous nature of heroism. It also delves into the relationships between Paul and those closest to him, including his concubine Chani and his advisors. As Paul grapples with the visions of a future he seeks to alter, the narrative unfolds with intricate depth, revealing the complexities of human ambition and the consequences of wielding immense power. Herbert's richly detailed universe and intricate world-building showcase not only the grandeur of a vast interstellar civilization but also the intimate struggles of its characters. "Dune Messiah" offers a thought-provoking exploration of the price of leadership, the complexities of prophecy, and the interplay between personal choice and the forces of fate. It sets the stage for the continued evolution of Paul's character and the unfolding epic across subsequent books in the series.