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With Astronaut Central Certificate of Authenticity

Michael Collins Signed Book: Carrying the Fire. An Astronaut's Journeys (New York: Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 1974). Rare first edition, first printing. Signed on the half-title page in black ink: "Michael Collins/ Apollo XI CMP". Hardbound in a Robert McCall-designed dust jacket, 8vo, 478 pages, illustrated. Astronaut Central COA included. Fine book in a very fair dust jacket.

This book is widely regarded as one of the finest memoirs ever written by an astronaut. Unlike many space autobiographies, Collins' account stands out for its literary quality, introspective depth, and candid humor. As the Command Module Pilot of Apollo 11, he provides an unparalleled perspective on the mission, particularly the often-overlooked role of orbiting the Moon alone while Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history on the surface. The book's significance lies in its blend of technical precision and personal reflection. Collins masterfully conveys the experience of spaceflight, the rigors of astronaut training, and the camaraderie within NASA's early space program. Unlike some astronaut memoirs, which can feel overly polished or politically cautious, Carrying the Fire is refreshingly authentic, offering insight into Collins' sharp wit, humility, and philosophical musings on exploration. Its enduring appeal has cemented it as a must-have for collectors and space enthusiasts alike, often considered the gold standard of astronaut autobiographies. From the Jeremy Theoret Collection


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Auction Dates
March, 2025
29th Saturday
Internet/Mail Bids: 17
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Sold on Mar 29, 2025 for: $1,500.00
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