Comet.

New York: Random House, 1985. First edition of this work which describes the scientific nature of comets, as well as their varying roles and perceptions throughout history. Quarto, original cloth, illustrated throughout. The dedication copy of this work. Inscribed on the dedication page by both Sagan and Anne Druyan, "4 November 1985 And we men it! With our love to you and Kel Annie + Carl." The recipient was Shirley Arden, who was the executive secretary to Sagan and close friends of the authors. The dedication page reads, "To Shirley Arden, for more than a decade of friendship and hard work well done. With our love and admiration." Fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket illustration by John Lomberg; design by Robert Aulicino. Comet begins with a breathtaking journey through space astride a comet. Pulitzer Prize-winning astronomer Carl Sagan, author of Cosmos and Contact, and writer Ann Druyan explore the origin, nature, and future of comets, and the exotic myths and portents attached to them. The authors show how comets have spurred some of the great discoveries in the history of science and raise intriguing questions about these brilliant visitors from the interstellar dark.