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Photograph 51

Series: Modern Classics
3.68 goodreads logo

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( 761 ratings, 93 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Photograph 51 by Anna Ziegler is a compelling play that explores the life and scientific contributions of Rosalind Franklin, the brilliant scientist whose work with X-ray crystallography was crucial to the discovery of DNA's double helix structure. Set in the 1950s, the narrative delves into the challenges Franklin faced as a woman in a male-dominated field, highlighting themes of ambition, gender politics, and the competitive nature of scientific discovery. The play offers a poignant examination of Franklin's drive and the complex dynamics between her and her colleagues.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Delve into a fascinating depiction of the scientific discovery of DNA's structure and the often-overlooked contributions of Rosalind Franklin. This book may appeal to you if you have an interest in the intersection of science and human drama, or if you are intrigued by stories of intellectual achievement and the complexities of credit and recognition in groundbreaking discoveries.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Ziegler’s thoughtful, empathetic play brings home with bitter comedy the unlovely male-domination of this world in the 1950s ... glorious." Independent

London 1953. Scientists are on the verge of discovering what they call the secret of life: the DNA double helix. Providing the key is driven young physicist Rosalind Franklin. But if the double helix was the breakthrough of the 20th century, then what kept Franklin out of the history books?

A play about ambition, isolation, and the race for greatness.

Photograph 51 premiered in the UK in London's West End in 2015 in a production which starred Nicole Kidman, where it won the WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play.

Published for the first time in Methuen Drama's Modern Classics series, this edition features a brand-new introduction by Mandy Greenfield.

Series: Modern Classics

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  • Photograph 51
    Ziegler’s thoughtful, empathetic play brings home with bitter comedy the unlovely male-domination of this world in the 1950s ... glorious." Independent London 1953. Scientists are on the verge of discovering what they call the secret of life: the DNA double helix. Providing the key is driven young physicist Rosalind Franklin. But if the double helix was the breakthrough of the...
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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Anna Ziegler's Photograph 51 is praised for its engaging portrayal of scientific discovery and the personal and professional challenges faced by Rosalind Franklin, particularly as a woman and minority in a predominantly male field. The play's narrative is noted for its potential cinematic appeal and its exploration of scientific ambition paired with personal sacrifice. With its compelling momentum and rich character dynamics, it captures the tension and competition inherent in groundbreaking scientific pursuits.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781350200685

Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 23 September 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Methuen Drama

Audience: Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 8.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 80g

Pages: 96

About the Author

Anna Ziegler has written the plays Actually (produced at Manhattan Theatre Club, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Geffen Playhouse, Trafalgar Studios and others; L.A. Ovation Award winner for Playwriting for an Original Play), the widely produced Photograph 51 (directed on the West End by Michael Grandage and starring Nicole Kidman; WhatsOnStage Award for Best New Play; named the number one play of 2019 by the Chicago Tribune and in other years selected as a “Best of the Year” play by The Washington Post and The Telegraph), Boy (Outer Critics Circle John Gassner Award nominee), The Wanderers (The Old Globe; upcoming at The Roundabout Theatre Company; Craig Noel Award winner for Outstanding New Play), The Last Match (Roundabout Theatre Company; The Old Globe; upcoming: Writers’ Theatre, Chicago), and A Delicate Ship (New York Times Critic’s Pick; The Playwrights Realm; Cincinnati Playhouse). Recent notable: Photograph 51 at Melbourne Theatre Company (Australia); The Great Moment at Seattle Rep (world premiere) and Antigones at the Ojai Playwrights Conference and the O’Neill Playwrights Conference. She is developing television and movie projects at HBO Max and Scott Free Productions. More at annabziegler.net.

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