American author (1920–1986) best known for his science fiction epic Dune. TLS, one page, 8.5 x 11, January 29, 1964. Herbert writes to P. M. Strain. In part: “John Campbell forwarded your letter to me and I couldn’t agree with you more. You have very astutely put your finger on the actual case—this is a much longer story, 120,000 more words. That ending was put on it to ‘tie it off’ for serialization of the first third. John will publish the rest of the story later … and we hope to have a single-volume version of the complete story out shortly afterward. We live in a world where publishers say 50,000 words is the optimum length for a novel and where, by their actions, they really mean they want stories of 40,000 words…. I enjoyed your letter so much that if I had an extra carbon on Dune I’d send it to you….” Dune was first published in book form in the following year, won the Hugo Award and the inaugural Nebula Award, and became an instant sci-fi classic. Accompanied by an unsigned carbon of Strain’s letter to John W. Campbell, editor of Analog magazine. Staple and light handling wear, otherwise fine condition. R&R COA.
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