The Double Helix
The Double Helix
James D. Watson Ph.D.
Peter Attia
[One of the] biographies of people who have 'built skyscrapers' (my term). - Peter Attia
Matt Ridley
An astonishing literary achievement, and it was about the greatest scientific discovery of the 20th century. - Matt Ridley
Paul Graham
The most impressive feature of [this book] is how much [the author] admits he didn't know. He's constantly talking about papers he couldn't understand and important concepts he didn't grasp. - Paul Graham
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The Double Helix

The Double Helix

James D. Watson Ph.D.
By
James D. Watson Ph.D.
3.9
1136
ratings on Goodreads

In the heart of a scientific odyssey that captivated the entire world, "The Double Helix" unfurls the riveting narrative of the quest to unveil the structure of DNA, the very essence of life itself. James D. Watson, a prodigious scientist with a zest for discovery, along with his collaborator Francis Crick, embarks on an exhilarating race against time and rivals, including the formidable Linus Pauling, to decode the mysteries locked within our genes. This memoir, penned with the precision of a skilled scientist and the flair of a master storyteller, invites readers into the fervent and sometimes tumultuous world of 1950s scientific research, a realm where ambition kindles brilliance, and the pursuit of knowledge is the greatest adventure of all. Watson's narrative is more than a mere recounting of scientific achievement; it is a testament to the human spirit, a tale woven with threads of perseverance, friendship, and rivalry. With an unvarnished honesty rare in the annals of scientific literature, "The Double Helix" not only chronicles the groundbreaking discovery of the DNA double helix structure but also paints a vivid portrait of the scientists behind the discovery. Their flaws, their genius, and their unyielding dedication to uncovering the secrets of life itself are laid bare, making "The Double Helix" not just a story about science, but a timeless chronicle of humanity's relentless quest to understand the very foundations of existence.

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Released
1968
1 Jan
Length
143
Pages

3

recommendations

recommendation

An astonishing literary achievement, and it was about the greatest scientific discovery of the 20th century. - Matt Ridley
[One of the] biographies of people who have 'built skyscrapers' (my term). - Peter Attia
The most impressive feature of [this book] is how much [the author] admits he didn't know. He's constantly talking about papers he couldn't understand and important concepts he didn't grasp. - Paul Graham
One could not be a successful scientist without realizing that , in contrast to the popular conception supported by newspapers and mothers of scientists, a goodly number of scientists are not only narrow-minded and dull, but also just stupid.
— James D. Watson Ph.D., The Double Helix

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