presentation copy from James D. Watson to Francis Crick

Presentation copy inscribed by James Watson to Francis Crick and his wife: “For Francis and Odile from Jim 27 November 2002.” This is the dedication copy, with the printed dedication stating “To Francis Crick.”

Crick’s wife Odile, co-recipient of this presentation copy, is famous for her drawing of the DNA molecule, published in Nature in April 1953 and subsequently widely reproduced in textbooks, scientific articles, and popular literature. “It may be the most famous [scientific] drawing of the 20th century, in that it defines modern biology” (Terrence J. Sejnowski, Salk Institute).

“A remarkable alignment of the planets is occurring in 2003: the 50th anniversary of the double helix and the completion of the sequence of the human genome. As a defining figure in both land- mark events, no other human being on the planet is positioned to write as authoritatively about all this as Jim Watson. In DNA: The Secret of Life he does so with clarity, style, and wit. If you really want to know what happened in the most important half-century of biology since the world began, read this” (Francis Collins).

This splendid presentation copy represents the greatest scientific collaboration of the 20th century. The names Watson and Crick will forever be linked in the history of science.

Provenance: Francis and Odile Crick, inscribed to them by James Watson.

$20,000