Of Molecules and Men, Francis Crick — 1st Edition

£148.50

Of Molecules and Men, Francis Crick — 1st Edition

Name: Of Molecules and Men, Francis Crick — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 4884
Price: 148.50 GBP
Availability: InStock

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Publication: Seattle and London, University of Washington Press, 1966

Formatting: 8vo, pp. xv, 99.

Condition Report: Near Fine. The grey cloth boards are exceptionally clean and square, with sharp corners and unblemished black spine lettering. The binding remains remarkably tight, suggesting the book has been scarcely read. The page edges show only the faintest hint of dust-dulling, while internally, the text block is bright, crisp, and entirely free of foxing or previous ownership signatures. The accompanying dust jacket is highly presentable, retaining its striking photographic design, though it exhibits some light rubbing to the matte dark panels, common for this production finish, and mild edge-wear with slight creasing at the spine tips.

Catalogue Note: First edition, first printing. Of Molecules and Men holds significance as the first published book by Francis Crick, the Nobel Prize-winning molecular biologist who co-discovered the structure of DNA. Based on his 1966 John Danz Lectures at the University of Washington, the text encapsulates Crick's staunch defence of molecular biology and his thorough critique of vitalism.

Copies of Crick's debut work in the original cloth and dust jacket are relatively scarce on the open market, particularly in such well-preserved condition. The distinctive jacket design, featuring a photograph of a DNA molecule model by Johsel Namkung from the Pacific Science Center, remains a classic mid-century scientific cover.

In Of Molecules and Men, Nobel laureate Francis Crick dismantles the concept of 'vitalism,' the idea that biology relies on an intangible, mystical life force, and argues that the complex mechanisms of DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis are entirely sufficient to explain the phenomenon of life. Written just four years after his Nobel Prize win, this accessible and provocative collection of lectures serves as a foundational text for understanding the biological revolution, offering a remarkably prescient glimpse into the future of genetic science from one of its most brilliant pioneers.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Francis Crick

Book Publisher: University of Washington Press

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: Science & Medical

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 99

Book Publication Year: 1966

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Hardcover

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: John Danz Lectures

Country/region of manufacture: Seattle, United States

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.