DNA

The Story of the Genetic Revolution

By: James D. Watson, Andrew Berry, Kevin Davies

Narrated by: Jonathan Cowley

The definitive insider's history of the genetic revolution - significantly updated to reflect the discoveries of the last decade.

James D. Watson, the Nobel laureate whose pioneering work helped unlock the mystery of DNA's structure, charts the greatest scientific journey of our time, from the discovery of the double helix to today's controversies to what the future may hold. Updated to include new findings in gene editing, epigenetics, and agricultural chemistry as well as two entirely new chapters on personal genomics and cancer research. This is the most comprehensive and authoritative exploration of DNA's impact - practical, social, and ethical - on our society and our world.

©2017 James D. Watson, Andrew Berry, and Kevin Davies (P)2017 Random House Audio

Critic reviews

"Unlocking the secret of life was the greatest accomplishment of science in the 20th century and laid the foundation for medicine in the 21st century. Over the past 50 years, Jim Watson has been at the center of this revolution. No one has a broader perspective. And, no one can tell its story more compellingly. Watson brings alive the grand ideas, human foibles, and social challenges in a way will both engage the general public and inspire a new generation of young scientists." (Eric Lander, founder and director of the Whitehead Center for Genome Research)

"Only James Watson combines the verve and authority to take us on such an exciting, fast-paced journey into the continuing storm of DNA science. This landmark summary asks where the new biology will take us, and gives arresting vignettes of major participants in the DNA revolution. The key experiments and fascinating unknowns are laid out as plain as day." (Victor McElheny, author of Watson and DNA: Making a Scientific Revolution)

One of the best books I’ve ever read

I am not a biologists but wholeheartedly enjoyed this book. It gives a fantastic, breathtaking (and very well written) overview of the field of genetics and its implications to medicine and beyond. The author does a great job explaining exciting advances, potential breakthroughs and dangers of genetics. He also does a great job of pointing out that the progress is not something that is given but is something that is worth fighting for because of its potential to improve human condition much like it did during enlightenment and subsequent agricultural and industrial revolutions.

informative yet conflicting.

The book is quite informative. However, some of the conclusions and implications are a bit conflicting. I'll just leave it at that.

Explaining the topic at a basic level

I appreciated how a very complex concept was made understandable.
The cadence of the author was constant throughout the book. I learned a great deal

A rare gem

I knew about W&C&F. I’m honored and grateful. JDW and his team have reintroduced this wisdom which they have organized perfectly. How often (never) will you have a 90 year story told in the first person by a Nobel prize recipient. I cried when the last chapter ended. The story could be called Genesis. The beginning. Thank you.

Best genetics book I have yet read

I have read numerous books on dna and genetics, this is by far the most enlightening

A great review of the progress made regarding DNA

A very interesting read / listen for anyone who works with DNA! Makes one appreciate how far the technologies have come!

Fascinating and Eloquently Written

James Watson is clearly a proponent of advancing all areas of genetic science for good, with compelling arguments. This was the first book on DNA I have read, and although I can't say I understood every word (as the author said he had aspired to write in a way that a non biologist would understand every word), I feel I came away with a broad understanding of the history and major facets of genetic science, as well as some of the social and political considerations. At nearly 500 pages, I confess I at times wished for a shortened summary.

Excellent review of Genetics Research

I have listened to several recent books on genetics, e.g. 'The Tangled Tree' by David Quammen and 'She Has Her Mother's Smile' by Carl Zimmer, 'A Crack in Creation' by Jennifer Doudna. These are all great, but this revised version of an earlier book seems both up to date and and as comprehensive as feasible for a non-specialist audience. I found it so informative that I purchased the paperback to read more carefully and to serve as a reference. I found the final chapter in which the author discusses the debate about whether it is permissible for humans to improve themselves genetically when it becomes technically feasible to do so safely - to be particularly interesting - perhaps because my views align closely with those of the author. Dr. Watson, at 90+ is refreshingly willing to share not only his prodigious knowledge about genetics, biochemistry, cancer, etc. but also his views about how we should use this knowledge. This is probably the personally most impactful audio book I have listened to in the past couple of years. My only small criticism is the British accent of the narrator. It is clear he did not grow up in Chicago and Bloomington, Indiana.

Structures the history of everything DNA

Hearing the story of 'life' revealed from Dr. James Watson himself, with full coverage of all the twists and turns, politics and triumphs, and the absolutely phenomenal progress made, is the pure essence of education, and that which defines the difference between ignorance and enlightenment. You MUST read this, if you wish to participate in the journey of enlightenment!

Very Informative!

I enjoyed this trip through DNA land years to discover many things about myself and my ancestors. Great book and enjoyable listen. Highly recommended!! #Inspiring #SelfDiscovery #WorldWarII #tagsgiving #sweepstakes