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Anne McCaffrey
Anne McCaffrey is the author of the classic science fiction novel Dragonflight. Her work often explores themes of fantasy and science fiction, and she also contributed to educational literature with Prentice Hall Literature--Silver.
Dragonsdawn
In the early days of Pern's colonization, a group of humans faced the daunting task of surviving on a new world. They brought with them the genetic material for dragons, hoping these magnificent creatures would become their allies against the deadly Threadfall. This is the story of how that partnership began, forged in the fires of necessity and the courage of pioneers.
Reading this book first is generally discouraged because it reveals mysteries and historical context that are intended to be discovered gradually through the earlier-published novels. Most readers recommend starting with Dragonflight to experience the world as it was originally unveiled.
This story shifts the perspective of the series by grounding its origins in hard science fiction, specifically detailing the biological and technological development of the dragons. It provides the foundational explanation for the environmental challenges that define the later books.