
The Genome War
How Craig Venter Tried to Capture the Code of Life and Save the World
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Narrated by:
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Grover Gardner
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By:
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James Shreeve
The long-awaited story of the science, the business, the politics, the intrigue behind the scenes of the most ferocious competition in the history of modern science - the race to map the human genome.
On May 10, 1998, biologist Craig Venter, director of the Institute for Genomic Research, announced that he was forming a private company that within three years would unravel the complete genetic code of human life - seven years before the projected finish of the U.S. government’s Human Genome Project. Venter hoped that by decoding the genome ahead of schedule, he would speed up the pace of biomedical research and save the lives of thousands of people. He also hoped to become very famous and very rich. Calling his company Celera (from the Latin for “speed”), he assembled a small group of scientists in an empty building in Rockville, Maryland, and set to work.
At the same time, the leaders of the government program, under the direction of Francis Collins, head of the National Human Genome Research Institute at the National Institutes of Health, began to mobilize an unexpectedly unified effort to beat Venter to the prize - knowledge that had the potential to revolutionize medicine and society. The stage was set for one of the most thrilling - and important - dramas in the history of science.
The Genome War is the definitive account of that drama - the race for the greatest prize biology has had to offer, told by a writer with exclusive access to Venter’s operation from start to finish. It is also the story of how one man’s ambition created a scientific Camelot where, for a moment, it seemed that the competing interests of pure science and commercial profit might be gloriously reconciled - and the national repercussions that resulted when that dream went awry.
©2004 James Shreeve (P)2004 Books on Tape, Inc.Listeners also enjoyed...




















Critic reviews
"Shreeve delivers commendably clear discourse on techno-molecular obstacles to sequencing DNA, topped with the vivid drama of Celera's mastery of the problems it encountered in doing so. Shreeve's intimate book is a crucial addition to the history of a major scientific fracas." (Booklist)
A great story, well told
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The author, however, spends too much time describing faces, body contours and clothing choices of the players in this real story. Both sides of the battle are covered failry well.
Mini Bio Mini Story
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This book changed my perspective for the better
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Great book for anyone interested in the industry
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Would you listen to The Genome War again? Why?
Yes! It's a great story and a great read. There's a lot of science here and wonderful characters, too. Very satisfying.Who was your favorite character and why?
Craig Venter is a true giant of science, and you have to love his boldness and bluntness. He should have won the Nobel several times over by now. The fact that he hasn't is a bit of a scandal.What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?
He understands what he's reading, and he gives it just the right touch of humor or irony when that's called for. A great voice. I never lost interest.Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
I listen in my car, but there were a number of times when I sat for a few extra minutes when I got where I was going. I wanted to keep listening -- but then I didn't want it to end!Any additional comments?
I'm not in the habit of writing reviews, but I felt I had to for this book. It's just an excellent story, beautifully told, and beautifully read. I recently listened to Craig Venter's "My Life Decoded," which covers the same ground as this book, and I enjoyed it as well, but James Shreeve's treatment is a marvel of exposition. He has a genius for finding just the right metaphor for explaining difficult concepts in memorable -- and often funny -- images. And Grover Gardner's performance is superb, with just the right dash of irony when it's called for. If you're interested in genomics, or biology -- or science, for that matter -- I recommend this book very, very highly.Wonderful book, beautifully read
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An Excellent and Informative book
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Fascinating account of a biological breakthrough
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If it were fiction, I would accuse it of being to political/emotionally charged? It?s stunning how far the government sector went in funding and rhetoric to ?win? the DNA sequence. It sheds light on the human side of science and discovery, it is unfortunate what that light reveals is greed.
DNA/Microbiology 101
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Business meets biology meets politics
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The Genome wars
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