The Gene: An Intimate History is a bestselling book written by Indian-American physician and researcher Siddhartha Mukherjee. Published in 2016, this book has received critical acclaim for its gripping narrative and insightful exploration of the roots of genetics and its impact on our understanding of human health and disease.

Mukherjee is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Columbia University and a physician at the CU/NYU Presbyterian Hospital. He holds a PhD in immunology and has been hailed by the New York Times as one of the “10 Best Brains of 2010”. His previous book, The Emperor of all Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction in 2011.

In The Gene, Mukherjee delves into the history of genetics, from the early days of heredity and eugenics, to the modern era of gene therapy and genetic engineering. He paints a captivating portrait of the individuals who made groundbreaking discoveries in the field, such as Gregor Mendel, Charles Darwin, and James Watson and Francis Crick who discovered the structure of DNA.

But the book is not just a historical retelling of scientific milestones. With his unique blend of scientific knowledge and literary prowess, Mukherjee weaves together the personal stories of those who have been affected by genetic disorders, including his own family history of mental illness. He also delves into the ethical implications of genetic research, prompting the reader to consider the potential consequences of our growing understanding of the human genome.

The Gene is a gripping and thought-provoking examination of the fundamental building blocks of life and how our understanding of them has shaped our understanding of ourselves. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of science, genetics, and the intricate beauty of the human body.