The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA by James D. Watson
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Book Reviews of The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA
Book Review: Captivating, even for a layman
Summary: 5 Stars
I was initially daunted by the very subject of this book. My girlfriend lent it to me and I wasn't sure I would enjoy it as much as she had--she's a molecular biologist and I'm a historian. Having helped her in a lab once or twice, I was well aware that genetic science was far beyond anything I could remember from seventh grade.
But The Double Helix was no problem. Some have called Watson's tone condescending--I, for one, am glad he talked down in his book, because dealing with DNA on a lower level is the only way I could ever approach it. And it's to Watson's great credit that he not only helped discover the double helix, but can write about it in mostly layman's terms and make the story understandable.
The most fascinating thing about the book, for me, was the nature of the research and the scientists themselves. Most of my life I've thought of scientists with the subconscious imagery of Frankenstein in my head. Here, Watson gives us a mostly genial but very often competitive world of collaborators and laid-back geniuses. Not at all what I was expecting, but very good reading.
Highly recommended.
Book Review: C+
Summary: 3 Stars
Honest yet condescending and superficial. These adjectives would be the best way of describing not only the tone of this memoir, but also the personality of its author, the famed James D. Watson who, with the help of others, discovered the structure of DNA. The slight tome gives a unique, inside-look at the inner workings and egos of the scientific community, especially in regards to winning fame and renown. In fact, that seems to be the only goal - there isn't much regard to the fact that their biological work with DNA and helices could actually benefit society. The quest for the Nobel Prize is the dominant theme of the book, and the author is very alienating in this regard. The ending is abrupt and frankly anticlimactic, although, as previously stated, the honesty was rather refreshing. However, the memoir was filled with suspense and intriguing in its descriptions of bickering and competition between scientists. It would have been nice to see some analysis or reflection, but there is little imagery or imagination. The Double Helix is literal and informative, and distinguishes itself only by being the first of its kind. It's more personal than a thesis but less inspiring than a textbook. Book Review: the book was perfect but it arrived a 2 weeks after the mailing date
Summary: 4 Stars
the book was perfect but it arrived a 2 weeks after the mailing dateBook Review: Science Memoir
Summary: 4 Stars
I remember upon first reading The Double Helix I was delighted with the fact that Watson was a slacker and still managed to make one of the most important discoveries in biology. There was hope for me too! It is a pleasure to read a book about scientific discovery where the researchers are not mercilessly driven type-A personalities confined to their labs. A well-written account of the personalities and community behind a major scientific discovery, of the molding of disparate facts into a new theory that changed the field.Book Review: Good book
Summary: 4 Stars
Good book, very easy to read despite its scientific background. As an autobiography, it also makes no attempt to remain neutral, which makes it much more interesting than your average textbook.