Book description
James Watson and Francis Crick's 1953 discovery of the double helix structure of DNA is the foundation of virtually every advance in our modern understanding of genetics and molecular biology. But how did Watson and Crick do it--and why were they the ones who succeeded?In truth, the discovery of DNA's structure is the story of five towering minds in pursuit of the advancement of science, and for almost all of them, the prospect of fame and immortality: Watson, Crick, Rosalind Franklin, Maurice Wilkins, and Linus Pauling. Each was fascinating and brilliant, with strong personalities that often clashed. Howard Markel skillfully re-creates the intense intellectual journey, and fraught personal relationships, that ultimately led to a spectacular breakthrough. But it is Rosalind Franklin--fiercely determined, relentless, and an outsider at Cambridge and the University of London in the 1950s, as the lone Jewish woman among young male scientists--who becomes a focal point for Markel. The Secret of Life is a story of genius and perseverance, but also a saga of cronyism, misogyny, anti-Semitism, and misconduct. Drawing on voluminous archival research, including interviews with James Watson and with Franklin's sister, Jenifer Glynn, Markel provides a fascinating look at how science is done, how reputations are undone, and how history is written, and revised.A vibrant evocation of Cambridge in the 1950s, Markel also provides colorful depictions of Watson and Crick--their competitiveness, idiosyncrasies, and youthful immaturity--and compelling portraits of Wilkins, Pauling, and most cogently, Rosalind Franklin. The Secret of Life is a lively and sweeping narrative of this landmark discovery, one that finally gives the woman at the center of this drama her due.
Versace-Cat
I'm amazed by ListenBook's versatility in handling different formats β it truly supports all my audio needs. The narrator's voice was like butter - smooth, rich, and utterly pleasant to listen to for hours. They handled complex sentences with ease, making even dense material accessible. I never had to rewind because I missed something due to unclear delivery. Perfection!
Bridge Whip
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. ListenBook has made my daily commutes so much more enjoyable. I look forward to listening every day!
Tin Fox
This app's versatility and convenience have transformed my screen time into a productive reading journey. π± A world of books at my fingertips β this app's user-friendly design makes it a true reading companion. ππ± I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended! The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while commuting.
Kingfisher
π Rekindling my literary flame β this app has brought back the joy of reading in a whole new format. ππ Library organization has never been easier thanks to ListenBook. My collection is well-managed. AirDrop sharing is a very convenient feature. Thanks, ListenBook! The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. Iβm blown away by how feature-rich ListenBook is. From the customizable themes to the car mode, everything is designed with the user in mind. The app works flawlessly, and Iβve had zero issues with crashes or bugs. Highly recommend!
Hog Butcher
I'd love to see more classic titles, but the current selection is already fantastic. Changing the tone of the sound on ListenBook is a fun feature that adds a unique touch to my audiobook experience. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a unique and fun feature. I can customize the narration to my liking.
Bootleg Taximan
I can't thank the developers enough for constantly updating and improving the app. Bookmarking favorite parts of audiobooks is a breeze. It's like having a personalized study guide. Binaural audio processing really helps reduce fatigue.
Find It Girl
This app's ease of use has made reading an integral part of my everyday life. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The automatic extraction of artwork and metadata keeps my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. A functional audiobook production that met basic requirements. The narrator's voice was pleasant enough to listen to for extended periods, though their performance didn't add much interpretation to the text. The audio engineering was competent without being remarkable.
DragonBlood
Audiobooks have become my escape from reality β a journey into captivating worlds. ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. I'm hooked on this app's seamless performance β it's like having a personal audiobook curator. I can't get enough of this app's convenience β it has transformed my audiobook journey into a joyous experience.
Troubadour
ListenBook's commitment to providing a smooth and enjoyable listening experience is evident in every detail. ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBookβs audio filters are great. The app provides a high-quality listening experience.
Flash Protein
I've found solace and relaxation in the pages of countless audiobooks. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has made my audio content much more enjoyable in noisy environments.
Freeze Queen
This app has turned my long walks into delightful literary adventures. I'm impressed by ListenBook's dedication to providing a comfortable listening experience. Audiobooks have become my constant companions, and this app's seamless functionality and diverse compatibility ensure that every tale is a captivating journey. ππ§ The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Earl of Arms
Looping playback helps me focus on challenging content and grasp complex concepts. A study must-have! The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Knight Light
Listening to audiobooks with my kids has become a cherished bonding activity. π‘ Making house chores more enjoyable β audiobooks help me stay engaged while tidying up the living space. π π The ability to play various audio formats without conversion is amazing. ListenBook is top-notch. The app is so well-designed. Itβs clear the developers put a lot of thought into it. This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Campfire Mama
Adjusting the tone of the voice is a novel feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. Downloading books over WiFi is quick and hassle-free. Very convenient.
Demand Chopper
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. ListenBook Pro is worth every penny. Unlimited audiobook length? Count me in! AirDrop sharing makes it easy to share audiobooks. Great feature!
Spunky Chick
π± Carrying stories in my pocket β this app's convenience is a game-changer! πποΈ ListenBook's tone adjustment feature in the Pro version is a creative tool that adds a fun twist to my audiobook journey. Looping playback has taken my language learning to new heights. Highly recommended! The app is perfect for people who love to multitask. I can listen while cooking.
RZRWRE
Automatic metadata retrieval adds a professional touch to my audiobook collection. Looping playback is a game-changer for my study sessions. It helps me absorb information more effectively. I canβt believe how easy it is to manage my audiobook library with ListenBook. Highly recommended! ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers! Solid performance, but not outstanding. The narrator did a fine job, though their tone was a bit monotonous at times. The story itself was engaging enough, but I wouldnβt call it unforgettable.
VenusXX
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. With this app, audiobook listening has become a convenient and enjoyable part of my everyday life. ππ Embarking on literary journeys even with my eyes closed β bedtime stories have taken a new form with this app! π΄π§ This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work!
Miss Nova
The statistics feature on ListenBook helps me track my audiobook consumption β a fantastic way to measure my progress. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's comprehensive features, from statistics tracking to enhanced audio quality, enrich my reading. πβ¨ The adjustable playback speed is a secret weapon for getting through educational content faster.
Fresh Peper
Audiobook immersion without complications β this app's ease of use is commendable. ListenBook has revolutionized my audiobook enjoyment. It's an essential part of my daily routine.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience