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A molecular biologist before the term was invented, a pioneer of
crystallography, and above all an inspirer of brilliant science in others, J. D.
Bernal is remembered with affection and interest in this eponymous book.
Bernal’s achievements include three Nobel prizewinning ex-students, substantial
clues to DNA’s structure and the revolutionary running of the physics department
at Birkbeck College, London—he actively encouraged women scientists, for
example. Oh, and Picasso graffitied a wall in his flat during a peace
conference. Edited by Brenda Swann and Francis Aprahamian, published by Verso,
£25, ISBN 1859848540.