Shortlisted for Royal Society Prize for Science Books: General Prize 2008.

Few scientists have stoked the flames of debate quite like Craig Venter ... A blow-by-blow journey through a frankly astonishing career Scotsman May be as important a book as James D. Watson's Double Helix Sunday Times 'This book marks the beginning of something new. It is the first molecular biography ... Venter's account is never less than engaging' Sunday Times'A wonderfully original work ... brims with entertaining revelations about the feuds, fights and friendships that underlie great research projects' Financial Times Magazine Rebel, maverick, outsider and the Bono of genetics ... the book is a voyage of discovery Guardian The man who shook up the cosy world of scientific research ... a brilliant book. Beautifully written, it is not only the most gripping but also the most important scientist's autobiography since James Watson's Double Helix Sunday Telegraph The first genetic autobiography. It is also a cracking story The Times Craig Venter has scorched a trail through genetics ... A Life Decoded is a page-turner throughout New Scientist Maverick, publicity hound, risk-taker, brash, controversial, genius, manic, rebellious, visionary, audacious, arrogant, feisty, determined, provocative. His autobiography shows they are all justified Nature An all-action autobiography Financial Times

J. Craig Venter is one of the leading scientists of the 21st century. He has made visionary contributions in genomic research. He is founder and president of the J. Craig Venter Institute and the J. Craig Venter Science Foundation.