Frank Herbert

Date of Birth: October 8, 1920

Zodiac Sign: Libra

Date of Death: February 11, 1986

Biography

Frank Herbert, born Frank Patrick Herbert Jr., was an influential American science fiction writer best known for his monumental work, “Dune.” Born on October 8, 1920, in Tacoma, Washington, Herbert’s career spanned multiple roles, including journalist, photographer, and lecturer. Herbert’s journey as a writer began at a young age, and by the 1950s, he had started writing science fiction. “Dune,” published in 1965, is widely considered one of the greatest science fiction novels of all time, winning the inaugural Nebula Award for Best Novel and sharing the Hugo Award. Herbert’s works are known for their complex themes, including politics, religion, ecology, and human nature. He produced five sequels to “Dune,” expanding the universe and delving deeper into its intricate mythology. Herbert passed away on February 11, 1986, but his legacy continues through his works and the adaptations they have inspired.

5 Interesting Facts about Frank Herbert

1. Frank Herbert initially struggled to find a publisher for “Dune,” with over 20 rejections before it was finally accepted by Chilton Book Company, a publisher better known for auto repair manuals.

2. Herbert’s interest in ecology and environmentalism was reflected in “Dune,” which features a desert planet with a meticulously detailed ecosystem.

3. He worked as a speechwriter for Republican Senator Guy Cordon of Oregon in the early 1950s.

4. “Dune” has been adapted into multiple formats, including films, television series, and video games.

5. Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, has continued his father’s legacy by co-authoring several prequels and sequels to the “Dune” series with author Kevin J. Anderson.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Frank Herbert

1. “I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.”

2. “The mystery of life isn’t a problem to solve, but a reality to experience.”

3. “He who controls the spice controls the universe.”

4. “The people who can destroy a thing, they control it.”

5. “To endure oneself may be the hardest task in the universe.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

Frank Herbert’s highest net worth is estimated to have been in the range of $10 million at the time of his death, adjusted for inflation.

Children

Frank Herbert had three children: Penny, Brian, and Bruce Herbert. Brian Herbert has become a notable author in his own right, particularly known for continuing the “Dune” series in collaboration with Kevin J. Anderson.