The Scopes Trial: An Encyclopedic History

The 1925 trial of John Scopes in tiny Dayton, Tennessee, remains a defining moment in American history. This ＂trial of the century＂--a ＂media event＂ before the term was coined--addressed issues that still affect our society today, such as control of the school curriculum, the ongoing tensions between science and faith in public schools, and the ramifications of teaching evolution and human origins.

This book is the first encyclopedic treatment of the Scopes Trial. The text draws on media reports, family interviews, and Scopes’ personal correspondence, providing new information and perspectives. The book includes previously unseen photos and information about Scopes and his relatives, as well as insights about the trial’s instigators, participants, and issues, all organized in a concise and easily accessible format.

Randy Moore is a biology professor at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, where he teaches courses about the evolution-creationism controversy. His articles have appeared in publications ranging from The American Biology Teacher to The Dayton Herald-News. Susan Brooks is an employee and Ph.D. student at Mississippi State University and the great-grandniece of John Thomas Scopes. Her research explores the creation of identity, cultural boundaries, and scientific expertise. She has published in the Journal of Mississippi History and lives in Starkville, Mississippi.