The Monk In The Garden : The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel, the Father of Genetics

In THE MONK IN THE GARDEN, award-winning author Robin Marantz Henig vividly evokes a little-known chapter in science, taking us back to the birth of genetics, a field that continues to challenge the way we think about life itself. Shrouded in mystery, Gregor Mendel's quiet life and discoveries make for fascinating reading. Among his pea plants Henig finds a tale filled with intrigue, jealousy, and a healthy dose of bad timing. She "has done a remarkable job of fleshing out the myth with what few facts there are" (Washington Post Book World) and has delivered Mendel's story with grace and glittering prose. THE MONK IN THE GARDEN is both a "classic tale of redemption" (New York Times Book Review) and a science book of the highest literary order.

"Old agonies are brought vividly to life in Robin Henig's lucid account of genetics' origins. From the quiet of a monastery garden to the turmoil of public debate she gives us a thrilling portrait of the pioneers who started us on the path to cloning and genetic modification. How refreshing to read an account of the real issues rather the popular myths that surround Mendel and his legacy - and to enable us to understand the roots of the science that is going to change our lives in the twenty-first century." -- Simon Mawer, author of MENDEL'S DWARF