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

Really a must for any Dune fan. It covers the books, the tv shows and the movies. Full of fun facts and cast comments.

The Spice Must Flow: The Story of Dune, from Cult Novels to Visionary Sci-Fi Movies by Ryan Britt traces how Dune became the phenomena it is, from books to TV shows and films. Mr. Britt is a “geek-culture expert”, writer, editor, and teacher.Even though I’ve never read Dune by Frank Herbert, I did enjoy the movies and show. I tried to read the book but was unsuccessful. However, I know that eventually I’ll get there.In The Spice Must Flow, author Ryan Britt examines the influence of the beloved series in all forms of media. Art, music, politics, extended universe, and the inspiration it provided to such luminaries as David Lynch and George Lucas.Mr. Britt had access to many people for this behind-the-scenes look. The leading actors of the shows and films, as well as those in the publishing industry. Mostly, however, Dune has been one of the first successful works of art concerned with ecology and climate change.It is obvious that the author is very dedicated and excited about the book’s subject. He is also a good and enthusiastic writer that kept my attention without going on tangents or supplying too much fan-service. He does not judge the works in any media form, even the books written by Herbert, his son Brian Herbert, or Kevin J. Anderson who continued the series.The book looks at the sci-fi market, the green movement, publishing, studio politics, as well the characters in the book. I enjoyed this book as a well-written, informative guide to the Dune universe in all its form.One does not need to be a fan, or have knowledge of any of the stories before reading this book, even though it will certainly help. If you’re looking for an insightful crash course before delving into this huge universe, this will do it.

The Spice Must Flow@ryan BrittLoved this!Ryan has written a book that appeals to me on multiple levels. First, it’s a well constructed book that has the feel of a biography or documentary. The key though is that Ryan makes it very accessible. It’s not overly geeky… just geeky enough. It’s not overly pedantic … but shares trivia in more of a journalistic form.The second level was how he revealed whole new levels of understanding for me. Now I’ll admit, I came to Dune via Lynch’s movie… then read the book. Maybe that makes means I’m not eligible to be a true fan. But Ryan helped me feel included, welcomed. His enthusiasm for Herbert’s book was infectious not snobby.But I think it was the honest and convincing explanation of how the book came to be written and its subsequent revisionist interpretations. I found that fascinating.All in all… loved the book. Happy @bookmattic persuaded me to read it!

I’m not a big reader of non-fiction, but I am Dune obsessed. I’m always looking for articles that are anything Dune related, and I’ve read every Dune book (all 26 of them) several times. I’ve read Dune itself maybe 20 times throughout the decades. I’ve watched the Dune movies (both the 1984 and 2021 versions), and the 2 miniseries, so many times I couldn’t begin to tell you how many times.I love Dune. I love everything related to Dune. I think I have something like 7 or 8 editions of just Dune, not counting how many editions I have of Dune Messiah, and Children of Dune.So when I picked up Ryan Britt’s The Spice Must Flow, I was in Dune heaven. So many tidbits I had no idea about from how Dune came to be in Frank Herbert’s mind, to how each movie came to be made (or not made in most cases). There are wonderful interviews with many of the stars cast in the movies and miniseries. So. Much. Dune!!If you enjoy Dune, I highly recommend The Spice Must Flow for all of the behind the scenes extras!*Thanks so much to Plume and Penguin Random House for the gifted early copy!*

Good synopsis of the Dune series

Very well-researched and put together. Easy read, with an engaging style. Highly recommended!