Frankenstein's Footsteps: Science, Genetics and Popular Culture

by Jon Turney

Traces the depiction of biological science in mass media and how it has shaped public perceptions

Genres: Genetics

286 pages, Hardcover

First published May 25, 1998

About the author

Science writer

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars - 3 for the book, an extra half for the wealth of resources in the references/annotations. Very slow start, but overall a decent analysis on early genetics and molecular biology. At times, however, it felt he was going too broad to make a point, would have been nice for a few more case studies and comparisons on how the Frankenstein story inspired new developments rather than hearing about all the fears it spread

[Janet Eshenroder · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very detailed account looking at conflicts and concerns about advances in biological science: the stories told by the scientific community and stories told by popular media. Concerns of the public (and some scientists) are not dismissed or downplayed by the author, though it is interesting to follow the predictions of disasters surrounding vivisection, transplants,and "test-tube babies." We live through the same intensity of arguments now with genetic engineering and cloning. Reading of past outcries by the public over new scientific procedures (which we now accept as routine) does little to remove the fears that new scientific discoveries and techniques may perhaps go too far, be used in an unethical manner, or create "monstrous, unintended results" due to lack of foresight/oversight.

What I appreciated at Turney's conclusion was a call for the scientific community and the public to have discussions not in terms of black and white outcomes (the "all-out scientific quest" or the "restriction on certain research"), but in terms of "maybe" outcomes which would address where we want to head as a society, how best to get there, and how to respond to public concerns in a responsible manner. The author draws no easy conclusions but offers much food for thought.

Parts of this book left me impatient, such as the first chapter which centers around what he plans to cover in the rest of the book. Some parts are dry but great as historical reference, giving detail background into research papers, scientific conferences, books, movies, and popular press. Parts dealing with events in my lifetime I found fascinating. I remember studying genetics and remember the "issues of the day" concerning the direction of genetic manipulations. I remember the evolution of test-tube babies (I have friends who are parents because of the procedure). I certainly have my own reservations over gene modification in the agrifood industry, since I've developed numerous food allergies late in life.

I appreciate this book may be too dry for most readers. Am not sure if I had to do it over again if I would put the effort into reading this one. It was recommended by my husband, a science editor, and so is valuable for future discussions. On the other hand, I'm not sure it will sway either of us in our own position. It will be valuable if it helps us appreciate the other side and look for a middle ground, which I assume was the author's intent.

[Joe Stack · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was an interesting analysis of the impact of culture on science, particularly biology, and the impact of science on culture. The author uses the line of stories starting with Frankenstein to The Island of Dr. Moreau to Brave New World to the stories of Michael Crichton and and assortment of lesser known novels and short stories as the chord which binds his book together. This also includes the films that have enforced the blurring of fact and fiction and contributed to the fears and awe of science.