DNA: The Secret of Life - Softcover

Watson, James

4.11

2,753 ratings by Goodreads

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0099451840 ISBN 13: 9780099451846

Publisher: Arrow, 2004

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James Watson, the co-discoverer of the structure of DNA and author of the international bestseller The Double Helix, tells the story of the amazing molecule since its discovery fifty years ago, following modern genetics from his own Nobel prize-winning work in the fifties to today's Dolly the sheep, designer babies and GM foods. Professor Watson introduces the science of modern genetics, along with its history and its implications, in this magnificent guide to one of the most triumphant achievements of human science.

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Review:

DNA: The Secret of Life is released to coincide with the 50th anniversary one of the most momentous breakthroughs in the history of science. In 1953 at The Eagle pub in Cambridge, two jubilant students professed to have found "the secret of life". Hardy regulars may have raised half an eyebrow at such wild claims--perhaps putting it down to the drink talking--but, even today, it is hard to comprehend the significance of the discovery and the impact that it has had on our world.

As a book commemorating the unravelling of the structure of DNA, it merely gives the story so far--from the legendary lounge bar to a glittering future for genetics and germ-line gene therapy. It's no surprise that Watson--as the Granddaddy of DNA research--is fully behind all such efforts and scornful of its detractors. Both Watson and Crick are uncompromisingly loyal to the tenets of their religion. Crick famously quit Churchill College, Cambridge when they went ahead with plans for a new chapel, saying he saw "no reason to perpetuate mistakes from the past" and early on in the book Watson makes his position clear:

Does life have some magical, mystical essence... is there something divine at the heart of the cell that brings it to life? The double helix answered that question with a definitive No.

DNA works as a light, easy-to-read introduction to the field of genetics, but those with rudimentary knowledge and an interest in delving deeper--or those wanting a more even discussion of the ethical problems raised by gene therapy--may be disappointed. While the book won't become seminal in the way that The Double Helix has, it is nevertheless useful and above all timely. And who wouldn't want to buy a book by the abrasive, ambitious and outspoken founding father? --Dan Green

Review:

"An immediate classic." (E. O. Wilson)

"Marvellous and comprehensive." (Nature)

"A wonderful book." (Sunday Telegraph)

"James Watson is one of the greatest living biologists. His new book is an important event, for he is a scintillating writer." (Sunday Times)

"James Watson has been an eyewitness to each revolution in molecular biology, from the double helix to the genome. He sees further and clearer than anybody else in the field. Give this fabulously good book to anybody who wants to understand what all the excitement is about." (Matt Ridley)

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