Rating: 
Summary: Wonderous
Review: Only the Tolkein reference by Prof. Robert Foster ("The Complete Guide to Middle Earth") supasses it in scope, erudition and pure delight. That having been said, this book was one of my most treasured, "read till my fingers bled" books. It had so much information--obviously culled from Herbert's own files, which he slyly hints at in the introduction whilst reserving all final answers to himself--on the Dune universe it was a pleasure itself.It is not a dry, academic exercise, but a living appreciation of the book and the complexity of the universe it unfolds. So much information is provided here on many things that are mere hints or receive barely mention in the books are explained as thoroughly as the Britannica (and often much better written!). My tragedy is that the book disappeared on a move (along with every Dune book of which I had multiple copies, in hard, trade and mass-market). It simply vanished. I still miss that book to this day. With all the renewed interest in Dune, with the specatular "Children of Dune" mini-series and the bestselling "prequels" of the Younger Herbert, it stuns me that Berkeley hasn't reprinted this book. Even a mass-market (tho' of course it should be trade) would be great. But I seem to be hoping in vain. The Dune revival has been going on for several years now and nary a peep about a reprint. I near despair. The wife would have much more than a coniption fit if I spend $50 on a fifteen year old paperback, so I guess I'm hosed. For the Dune scholar the book is indispensable and I wish I had my copy in my hand (with each of my favorite subjects tabbed, with my favorite passages highlighted--I'd planned a Dune role playing game during the days before the GUI allowed role-playing games to become what they always could). If you've got this book, guard it like gold, or, better yet, have it bound and keep in mylar. See, Berkeley, please hear my prayer: REPRINT THIS BOOK!!!! (Oh yeah, and, while I'm asking, how 'bout a God Emperor of Dune mini, hunh?) As a coda: my copy of the Dune Encylcopedia was with my ancient, book club edition of God Emperor which I recently found in our town's annual library sale. I knew it was mine by the Boris Vallejo "Ex Libris" sticker. So somebody, somewhere has my books!
Rating:
Summary: Buy this book even if you hate Dune because it is rare.
Review: Set some time after the God Emperor Leto II died a great hoard of documents apparently left by Leto II which covers everything from ancient Fremen rituals and Fremen desert survival skills to the legacy Muad'Dib (about 25 pages dedicated to him with a really cool picture)and the last moments of his daughter Ghanima (a very sad ending for her indeed) is found. This book relates those findings How long is the book? The encyclopedia is 550 pages long in enyclopedia format. Dune itself by far the longest book of the classic series is 540 pages in length. How in depth is the encyclopedia? There is an entire page devoted to the planet Ecaz with is mentioned once in the series and is of absolutely no significance. In the book there are some really cool illustrations of the major characters and of the equipment in the series. Though this book has Herbert's approval their are errors at least in the first edition. (I'm not worried about finding the later editions because I had to do a global book search just to get a hold of the one I have now). So don't think of this as the Dune bible you've been waiting for. It is a great companion to the series but, if you can't find it don't tear out your hair. Even if you hate Dune; buy this rare book, especially the super rare hard back version. (Which I believe there are only 2,000 copies in existence).
Rating: 
Summary: Far Superior to the Prequels
Review: The authors of the three Dune prequels (House Atreides, House Harkonnen, and House Corrino) have repudiated The Dune Encyclopedia and it is very unlikely to be reprinted because parts are inconsistent with the prequels. Having read both, I believe that The Dune Encyclopedia is closer to Frank Herbert's vision than the prequels. For example, in the prequels the planet Ix, source of technology for the Empire, is ruled by one of the Great Houses. In Frank Herbert's books no mention is made of Ix being affiliated with the nobility, and The Dune Encyclopedia follows Frank Herbert in making it an exception to the general system. This book also fills an important place because Frank Herbert enjoyed introducing concepts such as the Orange Bible or the Bulterian Jihad without much explanation. The conclusions reached here seem plausible given the structure of the Dune books written by Frank Herbert. If you can find this book at a used book sale, buy it.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive guide for "Dune" lovers.
Review: The complex worlds of "Dune" can leave the untutored sf reader lost. However, as the best sf ever written, it is well-worth traipsing through McNelly's compiled "encyclopedia" in order to understand the vernacular, politics, and people of "Dune." With love to my favorite inspiration at CSUF, Dr. McNelly.
Rating:
Summary: Documents the depth of a universe you -knew- existed
Review: The Dune Encyclopedia is a monumental piece of work. The depth and detail of research are very impressive. The seriousness of the content, and the simplicity of presentation make this far more palatable than the many pedestrian 'encyclopedias' of the more common space operas (Star Trek, Star Wars, etc.). This is an important piece of literature for any serious SF fan, and a must-have for any follower of the Dune universe.
Rating:
Summary: The New Dune Trilogy Has Caused Problems Here...
Review: The new Dune books have either changed or ignored the info in this book. One thing I can think of off the top of my head is the story behind Lady Jessica's(Paul's mom) conception and birth. There are now 2 differing versions of what happened between the Baron and Rev Mother Mohiam. In the Encyclopedia, she has one child and leaves her with the Bene G's. In Dune: House Atreides....she does somethng totally different.
Rating:
Summary: We Want a Reprint!
Review: This book is a MUST for any Dune fan. The articles and entries are suburb and insightful, giving much information only touched upon in the novels. Sadly, I lost my copy dyring a flood, and have been searching high and low for another ever since. Mr.McNelly has given us a grand addition to the Dune Universe, and for that, we fans of Dune humbly thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Extremely Creative.
Review: This book is so rare to find. I got my hands on a copy a while ago and have been reading it over and over. It is extremely data rich and gets your juices flowing. A true Dune fan will appreciate the depth and painstaking qualities this book has to offer. I suggest it to anybody, even at the price it sells for at e-bay. It gives information ranging from the Assassins Handbook to the Butlerian Jihad and even about the little things like Fremen attire. The book goes even as far as to have two almost complete detailed views on The Fremen Arabic and the Imperial Galach, two splendid languages in the Dune universe. I wish it were more available.
Now everybody should understand that it isn't Canon per cé. You might think it is or you might not. The prequels though don't line themselves up with the Dune Encyclopedia though.
Rating:
Summary: Skip the Prequals and Read This
Review: This is a fantastic work. It is not a story, although many are contained in it, but an encylopedia documenting the Dune Universe up to the God Emperor. I got my copy years ago and treasure it. This was obviously done by people who loved the Dune series and were not just out to make a buck, as in the latest prequal Buttlerian Jihad. Pick a subject or item from Dune and it is probably outlined here. Any fan of Dune will find this book an indespensible part of their library.
Rating:
Summary: Skip the Prequals and Read This
Review: This is a fantastic work. It is not a story, although many are contained in it, but an encylopedia documenting the Dune Universe up to the God Emperor. I got my copy years ago and treasure it. This was obviously done by people who loved the Dune series and were not just out to make a buck, as in the latest prequal Buttlerian Jihad. Pick a subject or item from Dune and it is probably outlined here. Any fan of Dune will find this book an indespensible part of their library.
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