"The basic structure of the present book started as the PhD thesis of the principal author"--P. vi.
Includes bibliographical references (pages 201-211) and index.
Overview -- Cosmic dust and life -- The origin of comets -- Comets in the galactic environment -- Dark comets: a link to panspermia -- Expulsion of microbes from the solar system -- Liquid water in comets -- Origin of life -- Expanding horizons of life