The Double Helix, James D Watson, 1980 paperback edition first published in the USA in January 1968, Atheneum, New York, with all four printings listed on the printer's page, signed in pen to the title page 'James D Watson' and to the inside cover 'Robert J Fink MD, Eau Claire Wis'

James D. Watson is a renowned American molecular biologist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential scientists of the 20th century. His most famous work is the book 'The Double Helix,' which chronicles his role in the discovery of the structure of DNA, one of the most important scientific discoveries of the 20th century.The book is an autobiographical account of Watson's research at the University of Cambridge in the early 1950s. At the time, he was working alongside Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins, all of whom were also working to decipher the structure of DNA. In 'The Double Helix,' Watson recounts the challenges, controversies, and breakthroughs that led to the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA, which is now considered to be one of the most significant discoveries in the history of biology.Watson's book caused a stir when it was first published in 1968, as it was considered by some to be controversial and unflattering towards his colleagues. However, it was widely praised for its engaging and accessible style and for its groundbreaking insights into the scientific process. It also provided a fascinating glimpse into the personalities and motivations of the scientists involved in the discovery.Despite the controversy, 'The Double Helix' is now considered to be a classic work of science writing and is still widely read and studied today. Watson's work has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, which he was awarded in 1962, along with Crick and Wilkins, for their work on the structure of DNA.James D. Watson's book 'The Double Helix' is a groundbreaking work of science writing that provides a fascinating and insightful account of the discovery of the structure of DNA. Despite the controversy that surrounded its publication, it has since become a classic work of science writing and remains an important and influential book in the field of biology.