The Secret of Life

In The Secret of Life, historian Howard Markel delves into the captivating race to discover DNA’s double helix structure, a milestone achieved by James Watson and Francis Crick in 1953. The narrative not only highlights the intense intellectual rivalry among five key figures—Watson, Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Maurice Wilkins, and Linus Pauling—but also explores the complex personal dynamics and societal challenges they faced, particularly regarding gender and anti-Semitism. Through extensive archival research and engaging storytelling, Markel sheds light on how scientific breakthroughs occur, the reputations that can be impacted, and the often-overlooked contributions of women in science.