The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Canto Book) [Hardcover]

Susan Aldridge (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521465427 | ISBN-13: 978-0521465427 | Publication Date: March 29, 1996 | Edition: 1St Edition

DNA "fingerprinting," genetic engineering of food, genetic screening, gene therapy, the human genome project...there is no shortage of news these days about the genetic revolution. The purpose of this book is to take the interested reader behind the headlines to explore the fascinating world of molecular biology. Eschewing jargon, author Susan Aldridge gives an accessible account of the world of DNA and also explores its present and future applications. In the first part of the book, she explains what DNA is and how it functions within living organisms. In the second part, she explores genetic engineering and its applications to humans--such as gene therapy, genetic screening, and DNA fingerprinting. In the third, the author looks at the wider world of biotechnology and how genetic engineering can be applied to such problems as producing vegetarian cheese or cleaning up the environment. Finally, she explains how knowledge of the structure and function of genes sheds light on evolution and our place in the world. Aldridge has written with a light touch full of historical references; her achievement will make rewarding reading for anyone who reads popular accounts of the life sciences.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...a thorough introduction to this fascinating field...for the reader witha background and ongoing interest in biology, The Thread of Life is a valuable resource." Boston Book Review

"Here is a book that could well be offered to would-be science writers as a guide to the craft of engaging and retaining their readers' interest...the story is told as a pleasing succession of sections on the nature of DNA and its functions, genetic engineering and human applications such as screening and fingerprinting, and the principal varieties of biotechnology. Within each section, there is evidence of careful consideration of how to lead the reader, as painlessly and even entertainingly as possible, from one realm of concepts to the other...there are vivid descriptions of phenomena which other authors struggle (and often fail) to put across in an accessible way...Susan Aldridge has written a fine book. It can be confidently recommended both to students and scientists in other fields, and to general readers seeking a uniquely comprehensive portrait of genes and genetic engineering." Bernard Dixon, Science Spectra

"Anyone looking for a dependable insight into the applications and implications of molecular genetics--on what is really happening and what realistically might happen in the future--can be directed with confidence towards...Susan Aldridge's The Thread of Life...With clarity, cogency and surprisingly little overlap, British researcher and science writer Aldridge explains the science of DNA, gene splicing and biotechnology...." New Scientist

"This is a very readable book...well worth reading. A good review of the expanse of DNA related research and technology, it will help to keep broad the perspective of those engrossed in a segment of the field. For those who are early in studies it will stimulate imagination for their future contribution and for the serious reader who wants a good introduction, The Thread of Life could be just that." American Journal of Medical Genetics

"...an outstanding review of DNA, its history and application....An interesting and useful account." Choice

Book Description

In a delightfully accessible way The Thread of Life describes the fascinating world of the gene. It explains how genes work and how technology enables scientists to manipulate them, as well as discussing the ethical issues. This is compulsive reading for anyone interested in modern science.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1St Edition edition (March 29, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521465427
• ISBN-13: 978-0521465427
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,673,661 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars A nice tour of the fundamentals, January 18, 2000

By 

John Rachlin - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Canto) (Paperback)

I learned a great deal from this book and enjoyed reading it. However I sometimes felt like the "tour" was moving too fast...great breadth but (perhaps unavoidably) not much depth. Additional figures and diagrams would have been helpful. I was surprised that there was no mention of the increasingly important role of computer science / bioinformatics. Still, if you are looking for a primer on the fundamental scientific methods, and an objective presentation of the key issues, this is a good place to start. A great many scientific ideas packed into a small volume.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, November 15, 1997

By 

[e-mail] (Monterey, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Canto Book) (Hardcover)

This book gives the most clear and concise description of the workings of DNA and basic life biochemistry that I have read. It has been successful in clearing up many of the most difficult aspects of this subject matter for me. Ms Aldridge is a very effective writer and educator for this complex subject matter.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, July 22, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Menlo Park, CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Canto Book) (Hardcover)

A pretty nice introduction to genes, sequencing, genetic engineering, and related topics. Ms. Aldridge is mostly very clear, interesting, and impartial. She manages to include a little bit about a lot of the relevant and topical issues.