The political, scientific, and social fictional setting of
Frank Herbert's novels and derivative
works is known as the Dune universe or
Duniverse. Set tens of thousands of
years in the future, the saga chronicles a civilization that has banned
all "thinking machines", which include computers, robots, and artificial
intelligence. In their place, civilization has developed advanced mental
and physical disciplines as well as advanced technologies that adhere to
the ban on computers. Vital to this empire is the harsh desert
planet Arrakis, the only known source
of the spice melange, the most valuable substance in the universe.
Plot arc
The Dune universe, set in the distant future of humanity, has a history
that stretches thousands of years (some 15,000 years in total) and
covers considerable changes in political, social, and religious
structure as well as technology. Creative works set in the Dune universe
can be said to fall into five general time periods:
I. The Butlerian Jihad
Legends of Dune prequel trilogy (2002–2004) by
Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson
Great Schools of Dune prequel
trilogy (2012–2016) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
II. The Corrino-led Imperium
Prelude to Dune prequel trilogy (1999–2001) by Brian
Herbert and Anderson
Heroes of Dune series (2008–2023) by Brian
Herbert and Anderson
The Caladan Trilogy (2020–2022) by Brian
Herbert and Anderson
III. The rise of the Atreides
Dune (1965) by Frank
Herbert
Dune Messiah (1969) by Frank Herbert
Children of Dune (1976)
by Frank Herbert
Heroes of Dune series (2008–2023) by Brian Herbert
and Anderson
IV. The reign and fall of the God Emperor
God Emperor of
Dune (1981) by Frank Herbert
V. The return from the Scattering
Heretics of Dune (1984) by Frank Herbert
Chapterhouse: Dune (1985) by Frank
Herbert
Hunters of Dune (2006) by Brian Herbert and Anderson
Sandworms of Dune (2007) by Brian Herbert and Anderson