by James D. Watson [575.1 Wat]
This somewhat controversial book describes the discovery of the double helix as the structure of DNA. However, this isn't simply a bunch of scientific jargon. It contains letters and personal accounts with fellow scientists Rosalind Franklin and Francis Crick. While Watson is believed to accumulate all the data and present it, the problem lies in who made the discovery first -- versus who published it first. Being published after Rosalind Franklin's death, the book is somewhat sexist towards her; keeping in mind that women weren't as accepted in a male dominated field. Great and fascinating read, and the scientific jargon is kept to a minimum. An interesting predecessor to current DNA findings and the Human Genome Project. [If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try DNA: The Secret of Life - James Watson and Medical firsts: from Hippocrates to the human genome - Robert Adler.] -- recommended by Jeremiah J. - Bennett Martin Public Library
[ James D. Watson page on Wikipedia ]
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