Architects of Structural Biology
Bragg, Perutz, Kendrew, Hodgkin
John Meurig Thomas
Reviews and Awards
"An excellent book for all interested in the history of science." -- Anders Liljas, IUCr Journal of Structural Biology
"a fascinating behind-the-scenes journey of the early years of structural biology . . . The real insight of this book is not so much the stories of the four cited pioneers, but their interactions with a wide cast of people who founded the field. The commentary on different leadership styles is very acute, as well as the respectful telling of some of the personality clashes and rivalries that developed. This would be an excellent read for those who are beginning to specialise in structural biology, and those with a love of the history of crystallography." -- Helen Maynard-Casely, IUCr Newsletter (2021) Volume 29(1)
"beautifully written and illustrated . . . The science is clearly explained, without too much complex jargon. [Architects of Structural Biology] is a superb chronicle of an extraordinary era of scientific and medical advances" -- Arpan K. Banerjee, former Chairman of the British Society for the History of Radiology, Hektoen International
"[John Meurig Thomas'] insight due to the close connections to the main people in the book gives a valuable perspective on how it was possible for an activity that began in a shed at a parking lot to develop into a world-leading laboratory . . . [he] makes some remarkable observations" -- Anders Liljas, Acta Crystallographica
"For historians and philosophers of science, this book renews the debate of whether the personalities, teaching styles, and institutional support are as significant as the ideas, experiments, and publications that result from the untidy, often contradictory, ways in which they are generated. As I read this volume, I delighted in the amount of sharing and enthusiasm even rivals had for each other's work..." -- Elof Axel Carlson, Biochemistry & Cell Biology, Stony Brook University, The Quarterly Review of Biology
"This is a landmark book on the lives and work of four brilliant Nobel Prize-winning scientists, and many of their colleagues, whose pioneering research on structural biology has transformed modern medicine. [...] It should be read by a wide range of scientists, from pre-university students to professors and directors of research institutes. If you can only read one scientific book this year, read this one." -- Sir Colin Humphreys, Director of Research, University of Cambridge
"Biomedical research -- elucidating the chemistry of life - is now a massive enterprise. This book focuses on some key pioneering stages, when a conjunction of individuals initiated huge advances, through insight, instrumental skill and determination. [...] This superbly-written celebration of some great scientists and their achievements deserves wide readership." -- Lord Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal and Former President of the Royal Society
"[John Meurig Thomas'] vivid profiles ... illumine the field of structural biology and help explain how the Laboratory of Molecular Biology became one of the most successful and influential scientific establishments ever." -- Lubert Stryer, Stanford University
"Sir John has extraordinary aptitude for writing as well as for pursuing adventurous scientific studies. [...] The topic is indeed timely. Other books have bits and pieces but Sir John has brought together a saga of monumental discoveries. The book will inspire many young scientists and intrigue a wide readership." -- Dudley Herschbach, Nobel Laureate, Harvard University
