Should I read Dune in chronological order?

Frank Herbert's Dune saga, a cornerstone of science fiction literature and possibly the greatest science fiction novel I have ever read, offers a complex universe filled with political intrigue, environmental themes, and deep philosophical questions.

The series originally began with Dune in 1965 and expanded to include six novels followed by additional prequels and sequels co-authored by Brian Herbert, Frank's son, and Kevin J. Anderson (following Frank's death). This expansion has prompted a recurring question among new and returning readers: 

Should one read Dune in chronological order?

To consider the merits of reading the series in chronological order, it's important to distinguish between publication order and the chronological order of the story's universe. The original Dune is the first published but not the earliest in the series' timeline, which is expanded through prequels such as Dune: The Butlerian Jihad. Reading in chronological order means starting with these prequels before moving to the original series.

Reading the series in chronological order can enhance the depth of narrative context but there is sooo much to get to before you'd even read a sentence of the 1965 novel.

The prequels set the stage for the universe detailing the historical events that lead to the socio-political climate of the original series. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of the series' complex universe, including the origins of key factions like the political manipulators, the Bene Gesserit, the Spacing Guild, and the Mentats. For readers who appreciate a deep dive into world-building, starting from the very beginning of the chronological timeline can be enriching.

The Argument for reading in Dune's Publication Order!

The merits of reading in chronological order must be balanced against the argument for reading the series in the order of publication. Frank Herbert's original was crafted to introduce readers to the universe without the need for prior knowledge, weaving exposition seamlessly into the narrative.

This is the only reason you need. Start with the original and then decide for yourself, like some kind of weird Star Wars machete order approach.

... and while we are talking Star Wars - take a quick side step into the Dune universe's inspiration on George Lucas' original scripting for what became A New Hope.

The original series sets up mysteries and reveals that might be spoiled by reading the prequels first. Moreover, the writing style and thematic focus evolve over time, with some arguing that the original works offer a more compelling entry point to the universe.

List of Dune Novels in Order of Release

Name of Novel	Year of Publication	Author(s)	Year in Universe
Dune	1965	Frank Herbert	10,191 A.G.
Dune Messiah	1969	Frank Herbert	10,196 A.G.
Children of Dune	1976	Frank Herbert	10,206 A.G.
God Emperor of Dune	1981	Frank Herbert	10,256 A.G. - 13,725 A.G.
Heretics of Dune	1984	Frank Herbert	15,202 A.G.
Chapterhouse: Dune	1985	Frank Herbert	15,204 A.G.
House Atreides	1999	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,154 A.G.
House Harkonnen	2000	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,187 A.G.
House Corrino	2001	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,193 A.G.
The Butlerian Jihad	2002	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	201 B.G.
The Machine Crusade	2003	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	164 B.G.
The Battle of Corrin	2004	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	88 B.G.
Hunters of Dune	2006	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	Approx. 15,216 A.G.
Sandworms of Dune	2007	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	Approx. 15,216 A.G.
Paul of Dune	2008	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	Interquels of 10,191 A.G. and 10,196 A.G.
The Winds of Dune	2009	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	Interquels of 10,196 A.G. and 10,206 A.G.
Sisterhood of Dune	2011	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	83 B.G.
Mentats of Dune	2014	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,176 A.G.
Navigators of Dune	2016	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,178 A.G.
The Duke of Caladan	2020	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,190 A.G.
The Lady of Caladan	2021	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,190 A.G.
The Heir of Caladan	2022	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,190 A.G.

List of Dune Novels in Chronological order

If you want to read Dune as the events unfold in the universe, here's the order!

Name of Novel	Year of Publication	Author(s)	Year Set in Dune Universe
The Butlerian Jihad	2002	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,000 BG - 210 BG
The Machine Crusade	2003	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	210 BG - 200 BG
The Battle of Corrin	2004	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	200 BG - 88 BG
Sisterhood of Dune	2011	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,470 AG
Mentats of Dune	2014	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,490 AG
Navigators of Dune	2016	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,506 AG
House Atreides	1999	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,140 AG
House Harkonnen	2000	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,154 AG
House Corrino	2001	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,164 AG
The Duke of Caladan	2020	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,185 AG
The Lady of Caladan	2021	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,186 AG
The Heir of Caladan	2022	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,187 AG
Dune	1965	Frank Herbert	10,191 AG
Paul of Dune	2008	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,193 AG - 10,196 AG
Dune Messiah	1969	Frank Herbert	10,196 AG
The Winds of Dune	2009	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	10,196 AG - 10,204 AG
Children of Dune	1976	Frank Herbert	10,204 AG
God Emperor of Dune	1981	Frank Herbert	10,220 AG - 13,725 AG
Heretics of Dune	1984	Frank Herbert	15,202 AG
Chapterhouse: Dune	1985	Frank Herbert	15,216 AG
Hunters of Dune	2006	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	15,220 AG+
Sandworms of Dune	2007	Brian Herbert, Kevin J. Anderson	15,220 AG+

Please note the use of "BG" (Before Guild) and "AG" (After Guild) to indicate the years relative to the establishment of the Spacing Guild, a key event that marks the division between eras in the Dune universe. 

The timeline provided here serves to place each novel within the broader context of the series' complex history, offering readers a chronological framework to understand the sequence of events and their significance within the expansive and detailed Dune saga.

Themes of 'Beach Towel', a novel published by Mr. Robot antagonist Otto Irving (Bobby Cannavale) during the show's fourth season

"Beach Towel," a novel featured within the universe of the critically acclaimed TV series "Mr. Robot," serves as an intriguing narrative device and a reflection of the show's complex themes. Authored by the character Otto Irving, portrayed by an on form Bobby Cannavale, the novel is not just a piece of fiction within fiction but an extension of the show's exploration of identity, reality, and the impact of technology on society. 

"Mr. Robot" is a show deeply concerned with the themes of identity and the duality of self and F-ing society. 

The show navigates the fractured identity of its protagonist, Elliot Alderson, and his struggle with Mr. Robot, his alter ego (which presents as his dead father). 

"Beach Towel," by virtue of its placement within this narrative, perhaps mirrors these themes, possibly presenting characters who grapple with their own sense of self and the dual aspects of their identities.

This thematic parallel allows viewers to further explore the psychological depths of the show’s characters, offering a literary reflection of the internal conflicts and the dichotomy between one's true self and the self that is presented to the world.

"Mr. Robot" frequently blurs the lines between reality and illusion, challenging viewers to question the authenticity of the narrative they are presented with. "Beach Towel" could similarly play with perceptions of reality, perhaps through its plot or the mental states of its characters. 

This thematic exploration aligns with the show’s frequent use of unreliable narration and the concept of a world shaped by personal perceptions and the influence of technology. The novel serves as a metaphor for the way technology, much like literature, constructs realities that can both reveal and distort the truth.

At its core, "Mr. Robot" is a commentary on the impact of technology on society, focusing on themes of surveillance, privacy, and the power dynamics between corporations and individuals. 

While "Beach Towel" is a novel and not a piece of technological fiction, it could still embody these themes through its narrative. The novel might explore the implications of living in a highly surveilled world, the erosion of privacy, and the struggle for autonomy within a technologically advanced society. 

Appearance in Leave the World Behind starring Julia Roberts

The inclusion of the novel in"Leave the World Behind," a film that shares thematic and narrative connections with "Mr. Robot," serves as a fascinating bridge between the show and film.

This strategic placement of "Beach Towel" within the film not only establishes an 'in universe' link but also enriches the thematic dialogue between the two narratives. 

Both "Mr. Robot" and "Leave the World Behind" delve into the complexities of modern life, including the pervasive influence of technology, the quest for identity in a fragmented world, and the tension between reality and perception. 

By featuring "Beach Towel," a novel from "Mr. Robot," within the context of "Leave the World Behind," the creators weave a thematic thread that highlights the shared exploration of these critical issues. This crossover not only serves as an intriguing easter egg for fans but also amplifies the thematic resonance between the film and the TV series, inviting audiences to reflect on the interconnectedness of these narratives and the broader societal themes they address.

Although "Beach Towel" is a fictional novel within the universe of "Mr. Robot," its thematic significance extends beyond its role as a mere plot element. By reflecting and amplifying the show's central themes of identity, reality, and the impact of technology on society, the novel enriches the narrative depth of "Mr. Robot." It serves as a literary mirror to the show's exploration of complex issues, offering viewers an additional layer of thematic exploration and insight into the characters' psyches and the world they inhabit.

Where did Agent K's memory of the horse come from in Blade Runner 2049?

"Blade Runner 2049," directed by Denis Villeneuve (Arrival, Dune), is a sequel to the original "Blade Runner" film and delves into complex themes of identity, memory, and the nature of humanity. A central mystery in the film involves a memory of a wooden horse, which plays a crucial role in the narrative and the journey of the protagonist, Agent KD6-3.7, portrayed by Ryan Gosling.

The memory in question is a vivid recollection of a child hiding a carved wooden horse in an abandoned building, marking the location with a date. This memory is significant because it suggests a personal history and emotional experiences, elements that are not expected to be part of a replicant's life, as replicants are bioengineered beings created by humans.

In the universe of "Blade Runner," memories are manufactured and can be implanted into replicants to provide them with a backstory, making them more stable and less likely to question their existence or rebel against their human creators. The memory of the wooden horse, however, stands out because it is not just any memory; it is one that is deeply personal and emotionally resonant, suggesting a lived experience rather than a fabricated one.

K thus begins to question his true identity.

As Agent K investigates the origins of this memory, he discovers that it belongs to Dr. Ana Stelline, a character who specializes in creating artificial memories for replicants. She confirms that the memory is indeed real, a revelation that initially leads K to believe he might be the child in the memory, potentially making him a replicant born from a replicant, a groundbreaking anomaly that challenges the established understanding of replicant biology and their societal role.

However, the narrative later reveals that this memory, while genuine, was not K's own but was implanted in him. Dr. Stelline, the true child in the memory, had incorporated her own experiences into the memories she crafted for others. This decision to include a piece of her reality in the artificial memories she created for replicants like K adds layers of complexity to the themes of identity and reality explored in the film. 

It raises questions about what constitutes individuality and the nature of memories in shaping who we are, whether we are human or replicant.

The inclusion of the horse memory in Agent K's memories serves multiple narrative purposes:

• It drives the plot by leading K on a quest for his origins and the truth about his existence.
• It blurs the lines between humans and replicants, suggesting that the capacity for emotional experiences and personal memories might not be exclusive to humans.
• It explores the ethical implications of memory manipulation and the creation of artificial beings with emotional depth.

This memory, and its implications, are central to the film's exploration of what it means to be human, the search for identity, and the quest for meaning in a world where the line between the real and the artificial is increasingly blurred.

Villneuve's later film Dune, also had many such weighty themes.