Final answer:
The novel Dune, by Frank Herbert, is the book that opens with the line about the departure to Arrakis and the arrival of an old crone. It's a cornerstone of science fiction literature known for its immersive world-building and complex narrative.
Step-by-step explanation:
The book that begins with the line "In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came..." is Dune by Frank Herbert. This is a science fiction novel that was first published in 1965 and has since become a classic of the genre, telling the epic story of a desert world called Arrakis and the complex interstellar politics and conflicts surrounding it.
Dune is often praised for its rich world-building, complex characters, and intricate plot. The novel has had a significant impact on subsequent science fiction literature and has been adapted into film and television numerous times. It stands out in the genre for its exploration of themes like ecology, spirituality, and power.