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In 1953, two young, unknown scientists sparked a worldwide revolution. Studying DNA for clues to the nature of genes, James Watson and Francis Crick deduced its molecular composition - two chains twisted into a double helix - and immediately realized that the structure implied how genes were copied and passed from one generation to the next. Their observation has had extraordinary consequences: the discovery of a genetic code that all living things share and the realization that the code translates into proteins; the ability to alter an organism's genetic make-up; recognition that diseases like cancer begin when genes go wrong; the foundations of a biotechnology industry and the means of cloning plants and animals; a start on cataloguing human genes; and the glimmer of a new kind of medicine that uses DNA therapeutically. In the midst of the ferment, its instigator Jim Watson has been tireless. A principal architect and visionary of the new biology, a Nobel Prize-winner at 34 and best-selling author at 40 (The Double Helix), he had the authority, flair, and courage to take an early and prominent role as commentator on the march of DNA science and its implications for society. In essays for publications large and small, and in lectures around the world, he delivered what were, in effect, dispatches from the front lines of the revolution. Outspoken and sparkling with ideas and opinions, a selection of them is collected for the first time in this volume. Their resonance with today's headlines is striking. As public concern about genetically modified food mounts, here is Watson's salutory reminder, from a previous era of DNA anxiety, that restrictions on potentially rewarding research are justifiable only if there is robust evidence of likely harm. Commenting on the 1970s War on Cancer, he warns that effective leadership of publicly funded research initiatives, such as the current search for an AIDS vaccine, demands the courage to support promising but risky new ideas and prune away anything less than the best. And as the first Director of the Human Genome Project, now approaching its climax, he acknowledges the past evils of eugenics but argues fiercely for the need to balance potential misuses of genetic data with the overwhelming benefits of a rational attack on the roots of disease. These combative pieces mingle with charming memoirs of distinguished former colleagues, advice for young scientist, and a pointed account of Germany's troubled historical relationship with genetics. They open with Watson's reflections on the family influence and values of his Chicago upbringing that helped shape his career. This collection of provocative, optimistic, and entertaining essays begins and ends with elegant commentaries from the distinguished molecular biologist and writer Walter Gratzer. They illuminate a volume that portrays the life and work of a scientist, educator, and author who is acknowledged as an intellectual leader of the twentieth century.
UNREAD but may have a crease or mark or minor imperfections. In stock-Sent fast from British booksellers. ![See more details about A Passion for Dna: Genes, Genomes and Society [Hardcover] By Watson, James D. See more details about A Passion for Dna: Genes, Genomes and Society [Hardcover] By Watson, James D.](images/ui/s.gif)
Publisher: Oxford University Press Date of Publication: 2000 Binding: Hard Cover Condition: Very Good/Very Good Jacket Description: 019850697x DISPATCH WITHIN TWO WORKING DAYS WITH IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION. Independent bookseller established for 15 years. Excellent customer service is our priority. No-quibble 30-day refund guarantee. ![See more details about A Passion for Dna: Genes, Genomes and Society [Hardcover] By Watson, James D. See more details about A Passion for Dna: Genes, Genomes and Society [Hardcover] By Watson, James D.](images/ui/s.gif)
NR MINT 2ND IMPRESSION 2003 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION OXFORD PAPERBACK WITH NEWLY WRITTEN PREFACE. FULL TITLE 'A PASSION FOR DNA-GENES, GENOMES AND SOCIETY ' SUPERBLY WRITTEN COLLECTION OF WATSON'S WRITINGS/LECTURES ON DNA & GENETICS. IMMEDIATE DISPATCH WORLDWIDE FROM UK COLLECTION. 
2001-03-15. Oxford University Press. Hardcover. Book: VERY GOOD. DJ-VG. 9.5x6.5. 250pp.. 
2001-09-13. OUP Oxford. New edition. Hardcover. Book: VERY GOOD. 250pp.. 
(270) a collection, selected and edited by professor walter gratzer (king's college london), of essays, speeches, and reports by j d watson, author of the double helix. the pieces, which are lucid and wholly accessible to a general readersh1p, give the authentic flavour of a period of momentous achievement in molecular biology. they deal with watson's early life and career, science and politics, the advance of molecular ge*n*e*t*ics, and ge*n*e*t*ics and society. an introduction by gratzer is about watson: the discovery of the structure of dna and its aftermath, and his subsequent achievements. gratzer also provides an afterword commenting on where the science and the issues stand today: the recombinant dna debate, the prospects for curing cancer over the next decade, and how human ge*n*e*t*ic knowledge is likely to be used, for good or bad. (Hardback) 
Size: 8vo-over 7¾"-9¾" tall; Tight clean copy. Corners lightly rubbed. 
Oxford University Press. U.K., 2000. Soft Cover. 8vo. Book is As New. No Jacket. 
Book has appearance of only minimal use. All pages are undamaged with no significant creases or tears. With pride from Motor City. All books guaranteed. Best Service, Best Prices. 
250p hardback with black pictorial jacket, as new, pages clean with index, VG. 
In exceptionally good condition, all clean, white pages, some underlining. Owner left signature. Watson writes well for a scientist, takes the reader along with a degree of literary finesse we do not see in such writers. Also exceptional in that he takes responsiblity for the science he has opened to the world through his writings, suggests avenues humanity must take to survive. In strong binding and straight, no loose or missing pages. Ost Lib Coll. You may return any book for full refund for any reason. 
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Hardback/dust jacket/very good condition; 
2000. Oxford University. Book-Near fine. DJ-VG. 9.5x6.5. 250pp. 
This book is printed on demand. (allow 1-2 weeks for printing) (272) a collection of outspoken and topical essays, speeches, and reports by j. d. watson, co-discoverer of the structure of dna in 1953 and best-selling author of the double helix. these often controversial pieces cover the advance of molecular ge*n*e*t*ics, the prospect of curing cancer over the next decade, how human ge*n*e*t*ic knowledge is likely to be used, for good or bad, and watson's early life and career. (Paperback) 
In 1953, two unknown scientists sparked a worldwide revolution. Studying DNA for clues to the nature of genes, James Watson and Francis Crick deduced its molecular composition and realized that the structure implied how genes were copied from one gene... 
PLEASE NOTE: All books are promptly imported from the UK using DHL or Royal Mail international mail WITH TRACKING NUMBER. Delivery is typically 5-10 working days. Please do not select expedited shipping. Professional and reliable bookseller (est.1987). A collection, selected and edited by Professor Walter Gratzer (King's College London), of essays, speeches, and reports by J D Watson, author of The Double Helix. The pieces, which are lucid and wholly accessible to a general readership, give the authentic flavour of a period of momentous achievement in molecular biology. They deal with Watson's early life and career, science and politics, the advance of molecular genetics, and genetics and society. An Introduction by Gratzer is about Watson: the discovery of the structure of DNA and its aftermath, and his subsequent achievements. Gratzer also provides an Afterword commenting on where the science and the issues stand today: the recomb... 