Invisible Frontiers: The Race to Synthesize a Human Gene

In 1976 "gene-splicing" and "cloning" seemed like terms from science fiction. Stephen Hall relates how three groups of eminent molecular biologists became engaged in a quest to turn fantasy into reality and be the first to synthesize human genes. Following the scientists from congressional hearings in Washington, to top-secret laboratories in England and France, the author tells the story of the personalities involved in this historic quest and describes them at work. He describes the exhaustive nature of laboratory work and the scientific theory behind it. This story recounts the birth of the idea offeing a behind-the-scenes account and examining the enormous implications for us all.