Die Doppel-Helix

The Double Helix is an autobiographical account written by James D. Watson, detailing the events and personalities involved in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA. The book covers the period from 1951 to 1953, during which Watson and his colleague Francis Crick, along with contributions from Maurice Wilkins and Rosalind Franklin, worked to uncover the molecular structure of DNA. The narrative includes the competitive environment among scientists, particularly the rivalry with Linus Pauling, and the significant role of Rosalind Franklin's X-ray diffraction images.

The book has been praised for its personal and engaging account of scientific discovery but has also been criticized for its treatment of Franklin and its sexist undertones.