This biography by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of Leonardo da Vinci, highlighting his boundless curiosity, meticulous observation, and innovative spirit. The book is based on thousands of pages from da Vinci's notebooks and new discoveries about his life and work. It connects his artistic achievements to his scientific inquiries, showcasing how his genius unified art and science. The narrative emphasizes da Vinci's skills such as passionate curiosity, careful observation, and a playful imagination, and it provides a vivid portrait of a polymath who was centuries ahead of his time in fields ranging from anatomy to engineering[2][3][5].
In this autobiography, James Watson recounts the events surrounding the discovery of the structure of DNA. The book provides a detailed and sometimes controversial account of the scientific and personal aspects of the discovery, highlighting the roles of Watson, Francis Crick, Rosalind Franklin, and Maurice Wilkins. It emphasizes the human side of scientific research, including rivalries, personal relationships, and the intersection of science and everyday life. Despite some historical inaccuracies and dramatic embellishments, the book is celebrated for its insight into the sociology of scientific enterprise and its impact on the public's perception of scientists[1][2][4].
This biography by Walter Isaacson delves into the life of Albert Einstein, covering his childhood, his groundbreaking scientific theories, and his personal and political struggles. The book is based on newly released personal letters and archival materials, providing a detailed and engaging portrait of Einstein's life. It explains his theories, including the theory of relativity and his work on quantum mechanics, and discusses his involvement in world politics, pacifism, and his fight against anti-Semitism and authoritarian governments. The biography also highlights Einstein's rebellious nature, his creativity, and his commitment to individual freedom and intellectual freedom[2][3][5].
This biography, based on more than 40 interviews with Steve Jobs and over 100 interviews with family members, friends, adversaries, competitors, and colleagues, provides a riveting story of Jobs' roller-coaster life and intense personality. It highlights his passion for perfection, his ferocious drive, and how he revolutionized six industries: personal computers, animated movies, music, phones, tablet computing, and digital publishing. The book explores Jobs' contradictions, his 'reality distortion field,' and the lessons about innovation, character, leadership, and values that can be drawn from his life and career.
In 'The Code Breaker,' Sally Pierson Dillon tells the story of Donnie, a young boy who, after breaking his leg, discovers intriguing secrets from his family's past through the sounds he hears in the old house. The book explores themes of family history, personal growth, and the importance of understanding one's roots.
Walter Isaacson is the bestselling author of Leonardo da Vinci, Einstein and Steve Jobs. His new book is The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing and the Future of the Human Race, a gripping account of how Nobel Prize-winner Jennifer Doudna and her colleagues launched a scientific revolution that gives humanity the power to cure diseases, fend off viruses, and give birth to healthier babies.
Doudna has invented a technology that has the potential to change human history: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA. Known as CRISPR, it has opened up a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions. The past half-century has been a digital age, based on the microchip, the computer and the internet. Now we are entering a life-science revolution. Children who study digital coding will be joined by those who study genetic code.
Doudna’s work raises huge questions: Should we use our new evolution-hacking powers to make us less susceptible to viruses? Should we allow parents, if they can afford it, to enhance the height or strength or IQ of their children?
To answer these questions and more Walter spoke to presenter and paediatrician Dr Guddi Singh.
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Intelligence Squared 
