The Double Helix

A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA

By: James D. Watson

Narrated by: Grover Gardner, Roger Clark

Length: 4 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's summary

By identifying the structure of DNA, the molecule of life, Francis Crick and James Watson revolutionized biochemistry and won themselves a Nobel Prize. At the time, Watson was only 24, a young scientist hungry to make his mark. His uncompromisingly honest account of the heady days of their thrilling sprint against other world-class researchers to solve one of science's greatest mysteries gives a dazzlingly clear picture of a world of brilliant scientists with great gifts, very human ambitions, and bitter rivalries.

With humility unspoiled by false modesty, Watson relates his and Crick's desperate efforts to beat Linus Pauling to the Holy Grail of life sciences: the identification of the basic building block of life. Never has a scientist been so truthful in capturing in words the flavor of his work.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©1968, 1996 James D. Watson (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"A fascinating case history...Describes the events that led up to one of the great biological discoveries of our time." ( The New York Times Book Review)

"The history of a scientific endeavor, a true detective story that leaves the reader breathless from beginning to end." ( Scientific American)

"Watson's chronicle gives readers an idea of what living science is like, warts and all. The Double Helix is a startling window into the scientific method, full of insight and wit, and packed with the kind of science anecdotes that are told and retold in the halls of universities and laboratories everywhere. It's the stuff of legends." (Amazon.com review)

Great story!

Interesting material, excellent narration. I'd recommend this book to both scientists and non-scientists; science is described in a very accessible manner.

Dela Deal

Enjoyed this book from start to the conclusion- the scientific data presented in this story was described in a very creative way amongst the characters, leaving the reader with enlightenment and understanding of the hard work and dedication required to accomplish such a great discovery and a glimpse into the humanity of all those involved.

Outstanding perspective on scientific breakthrough

This was a fascinating and well rounded story of the discovery, as well as having a fun perspective of an young American in Europe

Interesting insight to discovery of double helix

This is Watson's personal remembrance's of the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. It also covers the race Watson and Click felt they were under to beat Linus Pauling to the discovery. After reading this story it would give one even more insight if you also read the biography of Rosalind Franklin. This is a nice short story that gives some personalization to the discovery. Gardner and Clark did a good job with the narration.

A bit disheartening

True, his story seems to be very honest account of his version of how things happened leading up to the discovery of the DNA structure. But because of his honest depiction of what he was feeling and thinking at the time, I also learned that this guy is not a likable character (unlike, say, Albert Einstein or Richard Feynman). His depiction of Rosaline Franklin is condescending to say the least (almost character assignation), though he tried to make up for it in the epilogue. It is amazing that he remembered so many details of events, parties, what people said and did and the timelines, which he attributes to his "weekly" letters to his parents (a bit creepy). In the end, I felt sad that a repulsive character like this was behind the great discovery.

High School History Came Alive!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Double Helix to be better than the print version?

Absolutely since it was written by James Watson himself and I imagined it was his voice narrating. It made the history that was happening while I was in high school come alive again in 2014! I've always been fascinated by genetics and especially the discovery of DNA and the double helix. I majored in English and majored in biology because of this discovery. Finding this book so many years later was a gift.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Double Helix?

Many moments, but I especially enjoyed the thinking process facilitated by the walks around the campus and cities. As important as the research itself.

What does Grover Gardner and Roger Clark bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The voices resonated and I imagined I was listening to James Watson himself telling the story.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It did elicit a few smiles, as well as a few groans at the blatant sexism expressed. But I appreciated the honesty of the telling of the way it really was in the world of scientific research then. I was glad to hear Watson sort of apologize for his comments about Rosie in the epilogue.

Any additional comments?

Great listen and well worth my time and money. I usually listen to fiction, but am very glad I decided to step outside that comfort zone.

True to the period it was written in

If you could sum up The Double Helix in three words, what would they be?

sexist high science

Who was your favorite character and why?

Rosalind Franklin; in a very male orientated world she held her own and provided the most important x ray photo for identifying DNA.

Which scene was your favorite?

The final amendment when James gave a less critical view of Rosalind, and admitted that she was vital.

Interesting, easy listen that begs further reading

James Watson admits he is telling the story of his and Crick's discovery of the structure of DNA from his own perspective. He acknowledges others may see it from a different viewpoint. (It appears Watson's book has evoked a great deal of controversy as I learned when I searched out more information on it from the web.) Then he goes on to tell the story of the ultimate discovery of the double helix attributed to himself and Francis Crick along with descriptions of the parts played by the other contending characters in the rush to make the momentous find.

Despite the controversy, is a very interesting story made even more fascinating by Watson's description of the personalities of the various players and his relationships or interactions with them. It makes for an enjoyable, easy listen and makes me want to search out more information to know other aspects of the story and perhaps, other viewpoints.

And of course, Grover Gardener always turns out a wonderful narration and is an asset to any audiobook.

Great history of the discovery of DNA

What did you love best about The Double Helix?

it told the story of the discovery of the structure of DNA as it happened. It is essentially a diary of James Watson - he is definitely misogynistic from time to time, but as he is writing in the 1960s, this book also serves as a snapshot of the perceptions of men's roles and women's roles before feminism.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The entire discovery of DNA structure leading up to the publication in Nature is just fascinating.

Any additional comments?

Highly recommended for anyone interested in science.

OK If You Have a Good Understanding of Biology

The discovery of DNA is a wonderfully interesting story, which is what drew me to this book. My issue is that the author assumes the reader is well equipped to understand complex biology and chemistry. While I have some knowledge of these disciplines, I struggled to understand many of the technical discussions.

I'm glad I listened to it, but I would suggest the book may be better suited to people with a strong background in science.