The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies -- Ryan Britt, Paperback

Geek-culture expert Ryan Britt takes us behind the pages and scenes of the science-fiction phenomenon Dune, charting the series' life from cult sci-fi novels to some of the most visionary movies of all time.

Using original, deep-access reporting, extensive research, and insightful commentary, The Spice Must Flow brings the true popularity of Dune out into the light for the very first time. With original interviews with the beloved actors and directors behind the films--including Timothée Chalamet, Kyle Maclachlan, Denis Villeneuve, Patrick Stewart, Rebecca Ferguson, Alec Newman, and many more-- The Spice Must Flow also examines the far-reaching influence of Dune on art, music, politics, and, most notably, its status as the first ecological science-fiction story specifically concerned with climate change.

Britt skillfully and entertainingly guides readers through the history of how the Dune universe has unfolded, including the novel's unlikely evolution from a failed piece of journalism about Oregon sand dunes into an epic science-fiction story, the way Herbert's work inspired George Lucas, untold stories from the 1984 David Lynch film, the knife-edge balance between blockbuster hit and indie film Timothée Chalamet brings to the 2021 movie, and the exciting future of the franchise. Through a blend of narrative, oral history elements, and fascinating trivia, The Spice Must Flow is the new essential guide to the behind-the-scenes story of Dune.

The fiction of Dune is deadly serious, but the real-life story of how it came into existence is full of wonder, surprises, and spice.

Author: Ryan Britt
Publisher: Plume Books
Published: 09/26/2023
Pages: 288
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.61lbs
Size: 8.00h x 5.27w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780593472996

Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 07/17/2023
Booklist 08/01/2023 pg. 15
Library Journal 09/01/2023 pg. 89

About the Author
Ryan Britt is the author of Phasers on Stun! and Luke Skywalker Can't Read. Lev Grossman has said about him, "Ryan Britt is one of nerd culture's most brilliant and most essential commentators." His writing has appeared in Esquire, Vulture, VICE, SyFy Wire, Den of Geek!, Inverse, The New York Times, and Fatherly, where he is a senior editor.