Life Itself: Its Origin and Nature.

First edition of this work on biology and the origin of life and man by the Nobel Prize-winning physicist. Octavo, original half-cloth, illustrated with diagrams. Association copy, inscribed by the author in the year of publication to his personal assistant on the front free endpaper, "For Betty with many thanks for all the hard work, love, Francis." The recipient Betty "Maria" Lang was employed at the Salk Institute from 1977 to her retirement in 1994, where her organizational skills and dedication facilitated Crick’s research activities. Crick, an advocate of open marriage, enjoyed with Lang a sexual relationship between 1981 and 1992. Fine in a very good dust jacket. Jacket design by Robert Aulicino.