The Scopes Trial: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford Series in History and Culture (Palgrave

by Jeffrey P. Moran

Scopes Trial covers the shocking case of whether to teach evolution in school and its impact on the moral fiber of the country and the educational system, examining the race and gender issues that shook out of the debate.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Law, School

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 6, 2002

Reviews

[Sam]

i mean.. it’s just the trial with some commentary. but it is so striking how this case gets chalked up so often to be an inciting incident for the dark ages of fundamentalism that follow in the 30s and 40s when in fact the case reads more to me like something emblematic of a much longer trend of modernity taking hold in the late nineteenth century.

[Renae]

Very helpful for primary sources, easy to follow

[Chris]

I remember vague references to the Scopes Trial from High School classes and various discussions on the evolution debate. This book is a great compilation of the data in and surrounding that case. I really enjoyed the introduction and commentary by the author that helped orient some of the texts and discussions. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the transcripts from the courtroom proceedings. And I also appreciated and enjoyed the supplemental material at the back (related essays, political cartoons, etc.). Overall, this book provides some great insights into the evolution debate (many of the same arguments continue almost verbatim today) as well as into many of the problems with our education system.

****
3.5 out of 5 stars

[Nicolas Garcia]

The show trial must go on!

[Joe Gawlik]

Eye opening regarding the "circus" accompanying the trial, and the ramifications still being felt today.

[Sara]

This book was amazing. I read it in one day.