A review by softboiled
DNA: The Secret of Life by James D. Watson
4.0
I'm only writing this review because I don't want my friends to see my 4 star rating and think that I'm a fan of James Watson, haha.
Considering the things I know about him as a person, this book didn't annoy me as much as I thought it would. (Still can't help but suspect there was a great deal of editing to tone down the racism, sexism and general condescension found in his other work and public comments.)
Agreed with some bits about how politics and religion can get in the way of scientific progress but didn't agree with some of his solutions, especially the more radical proposals.
Gave it 4 stars because despite myself, I thought it was a pretty good overview of genetic history and subfields at time of publication.
Considering the things I know about him as a person, this book didn't annoy me as much as I thought it would. (Still can't help but suspect there was a great deal of editing to tone down the racism, sexism and general condescension found in his other work and public comments.)
Agreed with some bits about how politics and religion can get in the way of scientific progress but didn't agree with some of his solutions, especially the more radical proposals.
Gave it 4 stars because despite myself, I thought it was a pretty good overview of genetic history and subfields at time of publication.