Molecular Biology of the Gene.

WATSON, James D.

Item Number: 3738

New York: Benjamin, 1965.

First edition of the Nobel Prize-winning scientist’s first book preceding “The Double Helix.” Inscribed by the author, “To Frank from Jim Watson.” The recipient was the late Ford Foundation sociologist Francis X. Sutton, from whose estate the book was acquired. Francis Sutton and Watson were at Harvard simultaneousely and were close friends. Octavo, original illustrated wrappers as issued. In very good condition with light wear and some of the usual creasing to the spine. Association copies of Watson’s works are rare.

Written three years before Watson's capstone, The Double Helix, The Molecular Biology of the Gene set a new standard for textbooks, particularly through the use of concept heads-brief declarative subheadings. Watson provided a historical basis for molecular biology, concise descriptions of fundamental chemical concepts, and a discussion of standard techniques and model organisms commonly used in molecular biology studies. The Molecular Biology of the Gene can be seen as Watson laying groundwork for what would culminate with the publication of The Double Helix.