The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA  (English, Paperback, Watson James D.)

The Double Helix: A Personal Account Of The Discovery Of The Structure Of DNA Reprint Edition is an autobiographical book where Watson shares his journey of deducing the double helix structure of human DNA.

Summary Of The Book

Originally published in 1968, The Double Helix: A Personal Account Of The Discovery Of The Structure Of DNA Reprint Edition is the reprint edition of the book. The book is an intimate and personal view of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA by James D. Watson and Francis Crick. Written in the first-person narrative, the book is about an astounding scientific discovery.

James D. Watson and Francis Crick are known for bringing a revolution in the field of biochemistry with their discovery of the actual structure of DNA, which is the molecule of life. In addition, this is the discovery that won them the Nobel Prize. Watson shifted to Cambridge from America at the age of 23 with the aim to do research on proteins. However, he got a chance to work with Crick, and together they started working on the most important project of their lives. Moreover, their discovery later became the harbinger of modern genetics.

Written in an honest tone, the book reveals what this scientist felt while craving to make his mark in the world. With modesty, he paints the picture of the world of scientists, who have the same human ambitions and sense of rivalry against each other. The book also includes the drama behind all the discoveries.

The background material used for this book includes the original scientific papers’ reproductions. In these original papers, DNA’s double helical structure was first presented around 1953. Since its publication, the book has been embraced by millions of readers. Known for providing an exciting view of one of the most crucial scientific discoveries ever, this reprint edition comes with an introduction by the author of A Beautiful Mind, Sylvia Nasar.

A program with the name Life Story dramatized the events depicted in this book and the show was aired on BBC.

About James D. Watson

James D. Watson is famously known as the co-discoverer of the DNA structure and is also a zoologist, molecular biologist, and geneticist. Watson has published various books including Recombinant DNA, Phage and the Origins of Molecular Biology, Genes, Girls, and Gamow, Avoid Boring People: Lessons from a Life in Science, A Passion for DNA, and Molecular Biology of the Gene.

James D. Watson was born on 6th April 1928. He gained his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology from the University of Chicago. He worked as the Director of the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory and in 1994 became the President of the organization. He boasts of various honorary degrees, awards, and decorations. He lives with his wife and two sons.