DNA Human Genome Manual: Ancestry • Health • Identity • Epigenics • Criminality (Haynes Manuals) Hardcover – 28 Oct. 2019

You read so much about genetics in the these days - ancient DNA, designer babies, epigenetics etc - but if you're looking for a simple explanation of what it all means, where to turn? Try reading the Wikipedia page on any of these subjects - absolute gibberish!So it was a delight to get my hand on this straightforward guide to the subject. Written in an engaging, clear style that's easy for the non-specialist to read, I can now tell you a what a gene is, what the difference between DNA and RNA is (the first's a recipe, the second a sort of chef-de-partie - my words, not Dr Irving's!) and, frankly, pretty much everything that goes into creating and replicating life.It's a fascinating read which, what with my curious mind, had me get through the lot in a single sitting (well, I was on a long flight but still...I could have been watching Fast and Furious XXIX or whatever we're up to now!).If I, a (not entirely un)intelligent humanities grad, can get my head round this, so can you. There are lots of useful diagrams, suggestions for further reading, boxes containing weird and wonderful facts. I had been thinking about doing 23&Me, now I'm not sure if I'd want to - the chapter on the subject is most illuminating and valuable for people like me thinking about doing the test or for making sense of it, if you already have.The good doctor's passion for the subject really comes across and I felt like I'd had an enjoyable time reading it and maybe even learned something. I imagine I'll have forgotten it all in a week but also know that I only have to pick it up again and I'll be able to quickly get up to speed again.At least two family members can expect to find a copy in their Christmas stocking this year. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Superb content, although I've yet to read all of it in detail. Sublime illustrations add enormously to the reading pleasure. Not least, the most fascinating and potentially influential subject and story ever to grace the history of human discovery and achievement. Now firmly on course to dramatically benefit all life forms on Earth, provided we don't abuse it. How I'd love to be able to see the outcome 100 years from now (assuming we haven't vaporized ourselves by then).However, it saddened me, as it always does, to be reminded that Watson and Crick are still recognised as the discoverers of the structure of DNA. This book does, however, make a slightly better, if brief attempt than far too many texts to give some long overdue credit to Rosalind Franklin for her pivotal research, the theft (IMHO) of which (along with the cancer her research induced) deprived her of the fame and rewards that she inarguably deserved. As Crick subsequently admitted, Franklin was two weeks or so away from the discovery instead credited to Watson and he, the difference being her immaculate scientific approach, as opposed to their stabs-in-the-dark guesswork latterly illuminated entirely by her work.Highly recommended. As are so many of these fabulous Haynes books, the Apollo and Formula One series being excellent examples.

Lovely book. Well laid out and clear and simple descriptions of a really important subject.I read as someone with no science background (apart from doing foolish things with Bunsen burners when the teacher turned his back) - wish science was accessible like this back in the day.High recommend.

The book gives you insight to genetics ancestry and genetic illness the style of the book is well written and is a big help on your insight to how dna works and who discovered it.

Although I am not professional geneticist, I like short yet precise explanations, helpful and nice pictures

Brilliant book that was understandable for teenagers. Really interesting and easy ready. Helped with school work and research. I really learnt a lot from this and has some great things to do in it. Highly recommend to anyone.

This is a beautifully written and easy to understand book that doesn't shy away from difficult and potentially complex subjects.

First rate highly recommend