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By Chuck Francisco November 19, 2014 Source: Mania.com

With Interstellar pinging off the satellite system of public consciousness, the timing could not be more fortuitous to publish a massive collection of classic science fiction short stories by a much beloved genre master. Christopher Nolan's modern space thought piece harkens back a kind of scifi more keen on exploring the vast potential of human existence, in all of its untapped potential, and audiences can't stop talking about the tangential ramifications. With a glimmer of Fred Astair's timing, Tor Books has published the largest collection of short stories by science fiction luminary Frank Herbert ever assembled. It's ambitious, recalling the halcyon days of futurism yesteryears. It's also perfect.

The Collected Stories of Frank Herbert is comprised of forty (seriously) short compositions from the man most famous for creating Dune. All of these stories had been previous published on the pages of pulps, magazines, or anthologies, save one newly added work: The Daddy Box. Presented chronologically from 1952 through 1979 (Herbert passed away in 1986), these perfectly realized, wonderfully self contained microcosms offer a reflection of a turbulent society on the brink of nuclear apocalypse. The resulting paranoia flavors many of the lessons imbued in these scifi parables.

Much of the science fiction of the time carried with it a combination of jaded paranoia for society's downward spiral and an irrational hope for man's untapped potential. Herbert's stories run the gamut from aliens secretly observing humanity (often deeming us savage and barbaric), to an almost They Live tilted spin on mankind as cattle. In many instances his tales wrap up with Twilight Zone-esq twists which shine an entirely new light in the context of the entire narrative. It's wonderful, calling back to the comfortable nostalgia of classic scifi, while also striking perfectly thought provoking notes of fascination and surprise.

As a master of his craft, Herbert is able to fully realize each short stories' self contained universe within a very small space. One case in particular, Occupation Force, is a mere three pages long. Within these cozy confines, Frank Herbert manages to tell a riveting and complex tale, densely packed with imagination. The ending is enough to make Rod Serling sit-up and take notice from the grave.

Of the forty realities bundled in this hardback collection, it's difficult pointing to any specific one which isn't fantastic. This is 699 pages of dense unique, imaginatively flowing prose, brimming with intriguing ideas that still feel fresh today. As old man winter reminds the country that he's a cruel and frigid miser, The Collected Stories of Frank Herbert is the perfect anthology to experience with a warm mug, while buried under a cozy blanket. And (bonus!), its arrival is perfectly timed to assist in surviving uncomfortable family gatherings and long road trips to reach them!

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Book Review: The Collected Stories of Frank Herbert