The Double Helix.

One of the great scientific memoirs. First edition, first printing.

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 significant for Watson's unashamed belittling of chemist Rosalind Franklin, whose work formed the basis for Watson and Crick's analysis of DNA's structure.

First edition; 8vo; diagrams and illustrations from monochrome photos within the text, contents fresh; original blue cloth, titles to spine gilt, red endpapers, top edge dyed yellow, slight toning of the board edges and spine ends, some tiny spots on the cloth, extremities very slightly rubbed, a very good copy in the lightly rubbed jacket with some nicks and short closed tears and some toning and marks to the lower panel; 226pp.