The Secret of Life: Rosalind Franklin, James Watson, Francis Crick, and the Discovery of DNA’s Double Helix

"If you have an abiding interest in genetics, you might have heard the old joke that begins “What did Watson and Crick discover?” The punchline: “Rosalind Franklin’s notes.” Franklin, the English scientist who died in 1958 at the age of 37, was responsible for much of the research that led to the discovery of DNA’s double-helix structure but often isn’t credited for it. Markel’s engrossing book makes a convincing case that Franklin deserves much more recognition; science lovers and laypeople alike will be drawn in by this compelling story."