*Dune* is traditional science fiction, but it transcends the SF genre. It's quality is more that of a serious piece of writing. It's not that the ideas in *Dune* are particularly new or revolutionary, it's that the universe of *Dune* is so clearly and fully presented. That being said, the novel does have mythic elements that raise it above a mere adventure story. Good against evil, the savior who must pass through ordeals in order to find his power, the myth of the super-man. Particularly interesting, from today's perspective, is the theme of awakening. Paul Atreides repeatedly says "The sleeper must awaken," or at the end, "Father, the sleeper has awakened." The author, Frank Herbert, just happened to hit every note correctly in this novel. His other books are not particularly noteworthy. They are standard science fiction. But *Dune* is something more. It is of epic stature. It is timeless. It really is a great work of literature.