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The Science of Dune book cover

The Science of Dune

An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe

Edited by Kevin R. Grazier, PhD

Could sandworms really exist? What’s in that mélange, anyway? The Science of Dune provides the answers to these questions…and many more!

Since its original publication in 1965, the Dune series has entranced generations of readers with its complex plotting, fascinating characters, grand scope, and incredible scientific predictions. This guide offers fascinating scientific speculation on topics including quantum physics, biochemistry, ecology, evolution, psychology, technology, and genetics. It scrutinizes Frank Herbert’s science fiction world by asking questions such as:

  • Is the ecology of Dune realistic?
  • Is it theoretically possible to get information from the future?
  • Could humans really evolve as Herbert suggests?
  • Which of Herbert’s inventions have already come to life?

This companion is a must-have for any fan who wants to revisit the world of Dune and explore it even further.

An indispensable volume for Dune fans everywhere, and another validation of Herbert’s fictional universe as one of sf’s towering achievements.” —Booklist

About the Editor

Kevin R. Grazier, Ph.D., is a planetary scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, Calif., where he holds the dual titles of Investigation Scientist and Science Planning Engineer for the Cassini/Huygens Mission to Saturn and Titan. There he has won numerous JPL- and NASA-wide awards for technical accomplishment. Dr. Grazier holds undergraduate degrees in computer science and geology from Purdue University, and another in physics from Oakland University. He holds an M.S. degree in physics from, again, Purdue, and he did his doctoral work at UCLA. His Ph.D. research involved long-term, large-scale computer simulations of Solar System evolution, dynamics and chaos—research which he continues to this day. Kevin is also currently the science adviser for the PBS animated series “The Zula Patrol” and for the Sci-Fi Channel series “Eureka,” as well as the Peabody AwardÐwinning “Battlestar Galactica.” Commited to astronomical education, Dr. Grazier teaches classes in stellar astronomy, planetary science, cosmology and the search for extraterrestrial life at UCLA, Cal State LA and Santa Monica College. He has served on several NASA educational product review panels, and is also a planetarium lecturer at LA’s landmark Griffith Observatory. He lives in Sylmar, Calif.—and occasionally Mesa, Az.—with a flock of cockatiels and a precocious parrot.

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Publication Details

Title: The Science of Dune

Subtitle: An Unauthorized Exploration into the Real Science Behind Frank Herbert's Fictional Universe

editor: Kevin R. Grazier, PhD

Publication Date: December 11, 2007

Publisher: Smart Pop, an imprint of BenBella Books, Inc.

Price: $19.95 US

Format: Paperback

Page Count: 232

ISBN: 9781933771281