[7thson]

First off - I have not read Dune, though I have read a couple of Herberts books - Helltrom's Hive and another one I cannot remember right now. I realize it is science fiction, with an emphasis on fiction. However, all fiction must be based on real things. When I watch the trailers for Dune, my first thought is, if it is a planet of sand, where do the inhabitants get the materials to build their civilization? Their clothes? What do they eat? Is all this explained in the book?

[Red Badger]

Spice is used for many things besides being a geriatric drug and a space flight enabler.

Plus, there is a active interplanetary trade association called CHOAM, that regulates trade across the empire. And of course there are smugglers and pirates that will evade the rules.

The Fremen have their own water supplies and even their own agriculture and factories hidden well underground.........