Questions About Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Summer for the Gods, please sign up.

Answered Questions (2)

Could someone be kind enough to tell me if the actual transcript of the trial is incorporated into the book and if so, how extensively? I assume the author quotes the lawyers, but does the reader get the feeling of being a spectator in the courthouse?

Porter Broyles Yes. You definitely get the sense of being in the courthouse. This book will give you a better understanding of the events and action than what the Ju…moreYes. You definitely get the sense of being in the courthouse. This book will give you a better understanding of the events and action than what the Jurors who were selected actually got!(less)

flag

Has someone read 'Summer of Gods' and H.L. Mencken's 'An orgy in Tennessee? If so which one would you recommend? I usually prefer first-or second-hand accounts, so I'm leaning toward Mencken. Unless there's come up a lot of new material in Larson's book, or if there are other reasons to read Larson's book.

M Mencken would offer a firsthand account, but a biased and heavily snarky one. Larson is a historian, exploring the origins of the debate, the run-up t…moreMencken would offer a firsthand account, but a biased and heavily snarky one. Larson is a historian, exploring the origins of the debate, the run-up to the trial, and so forth in a very approachable but thorough way.(less)

flag

Unanswered Questions

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more