In "Banquet at Delmonico's," Barry Werth, the acclaimed author of "The Scarlet Professor," draws readers inside the circle of philosophers, scienti...
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Apr 15, 2009
Bookmarks Magazine
rated it: 
The New York Times Book Review noted that "[t]rying to write intellectual history is like trying to nail jelly to a wall," but most critics concluded, with some reservations, that Werth has succeeded in this effort. Reviewers praised Banquet at Delmonico's for its taut storytelling and its bright evocation of the famous Americans who debated Darwinism. However, both the New York Times Book Review and the Washington Post lamented Werth's reluctance to take a step back from his story. Th
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Oct 23, 2011
Jimmy
rated it: 
The book covers a time in American history from 1871 to 1872. It culminates with the breakfast at DelMonico's where Herbert Spencer comes to America to speak to a select group of famous people. I wouldn't exactly defend the subtitle, The Triumph of Evolution in America, since I wouldn't exactly call it a triumph. There was still dissent, just like we have today unfortunately. It's more the triumph of Spencer. He seemed to rise ahead of Darwin as the champion of the theory of evolution as it appl
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Mar 25, 2009
Julie
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A simple review would state "This rich narrative is about the development of social Darwinism in post-Civil War polite society." But there ain't nothin' simple about this book! It is complex roller coaster ride through American society facing tremendous upheaval and rapid industrialization in the generation following Reconstruction.
And in light of current political and economic conditions and the ongoing debate of evolution vs. religion, this social history is incredibly More...
And in light of current political and economic conditions and the ongoing debate of evolution vs. religion, this social history is incredibly More...
Jul 25, 2011
Using Herbert Spencer's 1882 New York lecture as a framing device, Werth gives us a snapshot of the dazzling intersection of money, science and society in the Gilded Age, with nicely done vignettes of the tycoons, intellectuals and scandalous glitterati: Spencer, Edward Youmans, John Fiske, Louis Agassiz, Henry Ward Beecher, Victoria Woodhull, Carl Schurz, William Graham Sumner, William Evarts and Andrew Carnegie.
Sep 23, 2010
"Banquet at Delmonico's: Great Minds, the Gilded Age, and the Triumph of Evolution in America by Barry Werth (2009)"
Mar 31, 2009
Craig
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A very entertaining view of the post civil war years and the battle over and expansion of evolution theory and scientific reason. I recommend it highly.
Feb 14, 2009
Carolyn
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This history of social Darwinism in America has many parallels in our time. In its original incarnation, social Darwinism was eclipsed by pragmatism, and I hope that's what we're experiencing now in our political life.
Nov 22, 2011
Jim
rated it:
Engrossing look at the confluence of religion, science, and Capitalism in late 19th Cent. America to justify racism and weslth in the hands of a few. Fascinating look at the movers and shakers of the time: Darwin, Huxley, Spencer, Stowe, etc.
Mar 29, 2009
Peter
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Truly intriguing story about the rise of social darwinism in the United States and to a degree in England. Worthwhile reading for an understanding of the social context of scientific acceptance.
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