manheimer@nbs-amrf.UUCP (06/02/84)
This is a followup to a request for "good technocratic science fiction,". I
notice that Frank Herbert is excluded from the list of authors the poster
mentioned. That could be because Herbert doesn't precisely fit within the
category, but I think he may be satisfactory to someone looking there. I'm
posting this as a followup (instead of sending a personal reply) because I
feel so adamantly that Herbert has written some brilliant books, standing
among (if not representing *the*) best of science fiction. The books I most
prefer are "Dune" (the first book of the a series; I wouldn't really
recommend the sequels on their own merits) and "The Dosadai Experiment".
The original posting constituted a request for "technocratic" science
fiction - as far as I can tell (perhaps not so far on the scale of things,
but ...) Herberts writing includes some of the most thought provoking and
wide ranging *yet evidently sound* ideas. I'm not certain whether or not
this meets the criteria of technocratic, but inasmuch as that means
technical/scientific ideas, these books are outstanding candidates.
The author's ideas serve to illuminate the struggle of specific individuals
and of people as a species to survive in hostile environments, and the way
they are shape by that struggle. It is in his comprehensive grasp and
presentation of the environmental forces that Herberts expertise shines. He
consolidates detailed perspectives (insights concerning physical, technical,
and political issues come most immediately to mind) in a exquisitely tight,
sensible, world ecology. He uses these elements masterfully to provide a
basis for exploring and explaining the situation and motivations of the
protagonists. In the stories I mention above, personal and technical
perspectives are reconciled to relate individual's experiences and growth to
the environmental forces that come into play, exploring the limits of human
potential for power and survival in a cogent way.
There are drawbacks to the epic nature of these stories. You don't
encounter everyday types of people or situations, and in that way the
stories are unreal. I expect this limitation applies to any truly epic
works, and it is not indicative of a lack of humanity in the characters. To
the contrary, it is the natural limits of the forms that personalities can
take that is the focus of the books. Herberts writing is lyrical at times;
he uses pseudo-quotes from poetry and religious doctrines, not as gimmicks,
but to concisely and *poetically* convey important information.
It's not unusual for science fiction literature to rely on suspension of
disbelief and a focus on artifice instead of people. Sometimes the really
absorbing situations or interesting ideas do not bear up to careful scrutiny
because the premises are crafted merely for convenience. I find that the
more attentive and critical I am with these books the more there is to find.
All in all, they are among the most intrigueing and satisfying that I've
read, and possibly the best science fiction I've read.
-=- -=- -=-
I suppose one reason for writing this article was to see whether I could
articulate the accomplishments I admire in Herberts work. I see I've
provided only the of the gist books, no real plot detail. I hope I have
managed to convey my enthusiasm, and that you might check them out if you
aren't already familiar with them. I'm interested in comments or opinions
about the books I mentioned or other books that may be related (however
tenuously); I'm generally interested in any reading suggestions (probably
why I like this newsgroup so much).
Thanks,
& Cheers,
Ken Manheimer UUCP: {seismo,allegra}!umcp-cs!nbs-amrf!manheimer
National Bureau of Standards ARPA: manheimer.nbs-amrf@maryland (maybe)
Metrology A127 Influence: and existence are the same
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