DUNE MESSIAH

New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1969. Near fine in near fine jacket.. First edition of the second book in the Dune series, in which Paul Atreides faces conspiracies to overthrow him. In DUNE MESSIAH, the tremendous vision of the Dune universe was first turned into an epic-scale series. This sequel expanded the mythology and built a larger narrative arc — not only for Paul Atreides, but for the greater civilization. First serialized in GALAXY the same year, DUNE MESSIAH had in fact first been rejected by John W. Campell at ANALOG, who "loved the heroic aspects of DUNE and hated the anti-heroic elements of the sequel" (Brian Herbert). Campbell wasn't alone: according to Herbert's son, "many readers didn't want" what he called "the dark side of the messiah phenomenon [...] they couldn't stand the destruction of their beloved, charismatic hero, Paul Muad'Dib." Indeed, the development of Paul from a heroic youth to a corrupt leader who abuses his power is reminiscent of the themes in another famous novel from the same year: THE GODFATHER. Each are truly novels of the sixties, with a popular appeal that has transcended their original generation. Copies are increasingly difficult to find in collectible condition. 8'' x 5.25''. Original brown paper boards, spine and front board lettered in black. In original unclipped ($4.95) color pictorial dust jacket with illustration by Jack Gaughan. 256 pages. Slight lean. Jacket with a few minor spots of wear primarily at spine ends, else bright and unfaded. Hinges firm. (Inventory #: 54369)