DNA

DNA: The Secret of Life is James D. Watson's broad account of the genetic revolution, beginning with the early study of heredity and continuing through the discovery of DNA's double-helix structure and the development of modern genomics. The book connects the history of genetics with the enormous possibilities—and risks—created by our growing ability to understand and manipulate DNA.

Rather than focusing only on the famous 1953 discovery, Watson presents a much larger story:

Mendel → genes → DNA → double helix → molecular biology → genetic engineering → Human Genome Project → modern genetics