An ACS Puget Sound Section Book Discussion, led by John Shafer
Sponsored by the Diversity Equity Inclusion and Respect (DEIR) Committee
The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA’s Double Helix
By Howard Markel
Tuesday, January 23, 2024 @ 7 PM
Download a flyer here.
All are welcome. Link to Zoom Virtual meeting room. https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88213278482?pwd=SmlncDY2SzZkQTlxbWpHUlpOdVUyQT09
Book synopsis from Amazon. “James Watson and Francis Crick’s 1953 discovery of the double helix structure of DNA is the foundation of virtually every advance in our modern understanding of genetics and molecular biology. But how did Watson and Crick do it—and why were they the ones who succeeded? The Secret of Life is a story of genius and perseverance, but also a saga of cronyism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and misconduct. Drawing on voluminous archival research, including interviews with James Watson and with Franklin’s sister, Jenifer Glynn, Markel provides a fascinating look at how science is done, how reputations are undone, and how history is written, and revised. Markel also provides colorful depictions of Watson and Crick—their competitiveness, idiosyncrasies, and youthful immaturity—and compelling portraits of Wilkins, Pauling, and most cogently, Rosalind Franklin. The Secret of Life is a lively and sweeping narrative of this landmark discovery, one that finally gives the woman at the center of this drama her due”.