How to Read the Dune Books in Chronological Order

Explore the Expansive World of Frank Herbert's Dune: A Comprehensive Reading Guide

Since Frank Herbert's groundbreaking 1965 novel, Dune, captivated readers, the series has expanded into a sprawling saga encompassing 23 novels and counting, spanning 15,000 years. This guide navigates the complex timeline, helping you decide where to begin your journey through the Dune universe. While Frank Herbert penned six iconic novels, his son Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson have significantly expanded the canon. All books listed below are considered canon, though their authors vary.

The Original Six (Frank Herbert):

• Dune
• Dune Messiah
• Children of Dune
• God Emperor of Dune
• Heretics of Dune
• Chapterhouse: Dune

Chronological Reading Order (Including Prequels and Sequels):

This order presents the story chronologically, starting with the earliest events:

The Butlerian Jihad Trilogy (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson):

1. The Butlerian Jihad: This prequel trilogy opener, set approximately 10,000 years before Dune, establishes the world's foundation and the devastating war between humanity and its artificial intelligence creations.

   

2. The Machine Crusade: The second installment continues the war, introducing ancestors of key Houses like Atreides and Harkonnen.

   

3. The Battle of Corrin: This concludes the trilogy, setting the stage for the events of Dune by depicting the pivotal battle that shapes the Fremen culture.

   

Schools of Dune Trilogy (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson):

4. Sisterhood of Dune: This trilogy jumps forward 83 years, focusing on the world's development after the destruction of thinking machines and the rise of the Butlerian movement.

   

5. Mentats of Dune: The establishment of Mentat schools and the struggles for survival against Butlerian fanatics are central to this installment.

   

6. Navigators of Dune: This final book in the trilogy explores the continued threat of anti-technology forces and the growing fanaticism across the universe.

   

Prelude to Dune Trilogy (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson):

7. House Atreides: This prequel trilogy begins 35 years before Dune, introducing key characters like Leto Atreides, Duncan Idaho, and Baron Harkonnen.

   

8. House Harkonnen: The second installment deepens the political intrigue and sets the stage for the events of Dune.

   

9. House Corrino: This concludes the trilogy, focusing on Leto, Jessica, and the birth of Paul Atreides.

   

Companion Novel:

10. Princess of Dune: This companion novel offers insights into the lives of Irulan and Chani, the two women who significantly impact Paul Atreides' life.

    

The Caladan Trilogy (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson):

11. The Duke of Caladan: This trilogy focuses on Leto Atreides' rise to power.

    

12. The Lady of Caladan: This installment explores Lady Jessica's choices and their consequences.

    

13. The Heir of Caladan: This concludes the trilogy, focusing on Paul Atreides' journey to leadership.

    

Frank Herbert's Original Novels:

14. Frank Herbert's Dune: The seminal work that launched the entire saga.

    

15. Paul of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson): A prequel and sequel to Dune, exploring Paul's life before and after the events of the original novel.

    

16. Frank Herbert's Dune Messiah: The second novel in Herbert's original series, focusing on Paul Atreides' reign as Emperor.

    

17. The Winds of Dune (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson): Bridging the gap between Dune Messiah and Children of Dune.

    

18. Frank Herbert's Children of Dune: The third novel in Herbert's original series, focusing on Paul's children.

    

19. Frank Herbert's God Emperor of Dune: The fourth novel, featuring Leto II's long reign.

    

20. Frank Herbert's Heretics of Dune: The fifth novel, set 1500 years after Leto II's death.

    

21. Frank Herbert's Chapterhouse: Dune: Herbert's final novel, ending on a cliffhanger.

Hunters of Dune Duology (Brian Herbert & Kevin J. Anderson):

22. Hunters of Dune: The first book in the duology, continuing the story from Chapterhouse: Dune.

    

23. Sandworms of Dune: The concluding book, bringing together many loose threads.

    

This comprehensive guide provides a roadmap for exploring the vast and intricate world of Dune. Enjoy your journey!