The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA's Double Helix [Hardcover]

An NPR Best Book of the Year Howard Markelphysician, professor and gifted writertells the story [of DNA] again, setting scenes and shrewdly capturing the character and motivations of the central players.... [H]is depiction of the clash of personalities is superb. Markels engrossing book makes a convincing case that Franklin deserves much more recognition; science lovers and laypeople alike will be drawn in by this compelling story. A cinematic account of toxic masculinity among 1950s DNA researchers.... [Rosalind Franklin] probably would have hated being the heroine of a movie, but were fortunate to have books such as this to put her back in the picture. Howard Markels brilliant book examining the discovery of DNA is a must-read for biologists and historians. But this is also a book for every reader; it brings to life the discovery of life itself. From Watson, Crick, and Franklin to the dozens of characters that Markel includes, The discovery of DNA is one of historys light-switch moments, when the world of scienceindeed, humanitychanged forever. Though much has been written on the subject, nothing remotely compares to Howard Markels magisterial account. Elegantly written, packed with fresh insights gleaned from a wealth of original sources, Howard Markels wonderfully written book, A deft and deeply researched book, There is no shortageof excellent histories, but Markel ... has written one of the best.... Abrilliant addition to the literature on the history of biological discovery. Epic.... Markel masterfully demonstrates how temperaments, pettiness, and the pursuit of prestige can poison science. An illuminating and candid resetting of a pivotal moment in science, with characters who often cross the line between antagonist and protagonist. Markel unifies the timeline and gives voice to the scientific and personal thoughts of the principal scientists.... Enjoyable. [An] action-packedhistory.... Markel skillfully explains the knotty science behind l3$