The Double Helix Summary

Introduction

The following is a review of the book, The Double Helix, by James D. Watson that was published in 1968. Here the Norton Critical Edition will be used for page numbering and insights for this review, which was edited by Gunter S. Stent and published in 1980. The Double Helix is a personal recollection of the period of time when the structure of DNA was discovered. James D. Watson (Watson) along with Francis Crick (Crick) were the two scientists who published a paper in 1953 which purposed a structure for DNA. For the most part their structure has stood the test of time, and since that time period many people have wanted to know details of how they discovered DNA’s structure (pp. 3). Therefore Watson’s purpose in writing the book was to describe his personal view of the events that lead to discovery of DNA’s three-dimensional structure, when they happened in 1952-53. He is well qualified to give an account of these things, for he was there in the middle of everything; he was one of the main players. In order to describe the events, apart from his sharp memory, Watson used letters he wrote to his family to help him remember dates and details, as well as suggestions from his associates who reviewed his manuscript. In the following paragraphs I will summarize the text, and follow that with my own review of

Nobody knew who would find it, and whether or not the discoverer would deserve it; and that the race to figure out DNA was between him and four others (pp. 7). Watson lets you know who he was and describes his view of others throughout the book. One of the most notable players to affect Watson was the boisterous Francis Crick who played an equally important role as Watson in discovering DNA. We will learn much about Crick but to give one character Watson said his voice loomed and could be heard very clearly above other’s voices (pp.