The Double Helix.

signed by the author

First edition, seventh impression, signed by the author on the title page.

The Double Helix is one of the most significant first-hand accounts of the scientific process written during the 20th century. With 'Pepys-like frankness', Watson describes science as it actually happens, including the frustrations, dead-ends, and gritty politics. Richard Feynman praised this account, writing that 'he has described admirably how it feels to have that frightening and beautiful experience of making a great scientific discovery'. The Double Helix is also known for Watson's unashamed belittling of chemist Rosalind Franklin, whose work in crystallography formed the basis for Watson and Crick's analysis of DNA's structure.

First edition, seventh impression, signed by the author on the title page; 8vo; illustrated with several black and white photographs and diagrams; publisher's blue cloth, titles to spine gilt, title and initials to upper board in blind, light fading to cloth at extremities, top edge stained yellow, in the original unclipped red dust jacket printed in black, white, and gold, a little wear to extremities with a short closed tear to the front panel, a very good copy; 226pp.