Kevin's Watch

Can any one give me any information about The Dune Encyclopedia compiled by Dr Willis E. Mcnelly.

The main thing is whether it it is canonical with the Dune series from Dune through to the God Emperor of Dune

I have had this book for many years. It also gives a more satisfying knowledge about the pre-Atreides period than the prequel novels that are now available.

I wish I owned it...I read it years and years ago on loan, and I enjoyed it.

As far as canonical: depends on who you listen to. It definitely contradicts/conflicts with Herbert's books [God Emporer wasn't even published yet when it came out]. OTOH, because of its viewpoint [an actual text from inside the Dune universe], and the fact that Herbert liked it, participated in it to some extent, some say it is canonical, the contradictions are just reinterpretations/prejudices of the "authors" within the universe.
[I think that's how the argument went...saw it on another forum...I just remember liking the thing way back when].

Hell, it can't be any worse than the movie.......

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Dune_Encyclopedia


A little worse for wear

I have it, and love it. duchess got it, teased me about having it, then gave it to me at the first Elohimfest as she had planned to do all along. There's posts around here somewhere where you can see me telling her she's mean and stuff.

Anyway, I don't know exactly how much it contradicts the books. Not too concerned. I really enjoyed a lot of the "House" prequels, even though they certainly contradict Frank. If I can do that, I can easily like the Encyclopedia.

I've got the same edition pictured above. I like it, but never read it cover to cover so don't know about any contradictions. The fact that it's authorised makes it canononical to me...

--A

Duh,

I just learned what canonical means.

Seriously, I have two copies of "The Dune Encyclopedia", one that I bought myself and one that an ex girlfriend gave me. The original copy that I bought myself is filled with scribblings in the margins correcting the information. These are filled with inconsistencies and contradictions but they are interesting and well thought out.

I have learned a lot from reading them. They even got me started learning about heraldry and I went so far as to color in the family shields in the book. (As it turns out - even these are wrong!)

I recommend them highly but don't rely on them.