I've been traveling to NW Wisconsin for several years now together with the members of the Gregory family. We stay in a house that was once occupied by an ancestor and is now used as a vacation retreat.

Since I'm familiar with the area, I can now go there without relying on a book. I'm confident that the Hayward Public Library, which is about twenty miles away, will have titles that are worth purchasing. In fact, that's where I bought this history just a few days ago.

This writer, who is both a lawyer and an historian, has long specialized in matters related to the themes covered in this history of the Scopes Trial. As the author of several books about evolutionary theory, Larson applies his expertise to the legal issues of the case, such as the separation of church and state, the first amendment to the Constitution, and the gradual extension of federal liberties to the states through the fourteenth amendment.

As an historian, he places the trial in context, discussing not only the facts of the case but also the context in which it took place and the cultural repercussions it has had up to the present day. By doing so, many common misconceptions are dispelled.

Like many cultural histories, this one is a fun and often amusing read. Larson writes well, much better than the average academic historian and far better than one could reasonably expect from a lawyer. Even if constitutional issues don't interest you, even if the scientific debate between creationism and evolutionism seems irrelevant, and even if the political dilemmas of individual liberties versus majoritarian rule seem inscrutable, this book will still be an entertaining page-turner.

This is an excellently written book about the Scopes trial.

Unlike the movie 'Inherit the Wind' which has gross inaccuracies, this book presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of the various personages involved.

It delves deep into the characters, their motives, and their beliefs, painting a vivid picture of the events that took place during the trial.

Despite its detailed examination of the individuals, the book does not compromise its argument against the evils of Christian Fundamentalism.

It presents a strong and well-reasoned case, highlighting the dangers of a literal interpretation of the Bible and the negative impact it can have on society.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the Scopes trial or the history of the conflict between science and religion.

Well, this was truly an enlightening read for me.

It's rather strange how often one thinks they have a decent grasp of a particular historical incident until they come across a well-informed source that reveals just how little they actually know. That's precisely what happened to me with this book. I now realize that my previous knowledge was lacking.

The debate between Creationism and evolution is one that seems to never fade away and continues to resurface in novel ways as science and technology progress. In this review, I'm not going to take a stance because I want to focus on the book itself. However, I can say that even as someone who is quite confident in their beliefs, this book still compelled me to pause and consider the opposing viewpoint. That's quite remarkable, given how quickly I, like many others, am prone to proclaim my ideals and then seek evidence to support them. (I plead guilty to confirmation bias.)

In any event, this book opened my eyes to numerous aspects and made me stop and contemplate both sides of the argument. I really appreciate it when an author can achieve that. I do wish the book had been a bit lengthier as there were certain sections that I felt warranted more in-depth explanation. Overall, though, this was an outstanding book.

This review is based on a complimentary copy provided by the publisher through Netgalley. All the opinions expressed here are my own.

Like many others, I initially held the belief that the film Inherit the Wind was mainly a fictionalized portrayal of the Scopes Monkey Trial.

However, this book has shed light on the real background. It reveals that the antievolution statutes were about the right of a state legislature to decide what could be taught in its schools versus the academic freedom of teachers.

It has been truly interesting to delve into the legal entanglements and the more recent aftermath, not just of the facts of the trial but also of the mythology that has grown around it.

The book provides a more in-depth understanding of the complex issues at play during that time and how they have continued to influence discussions about education and academic freedom.

It challenges our preconceived notions and makes us reevaluate the significance of this historical event.

Overall, it is a fascinating read that offers a new perspective on the Scopes Monkey Trial and its lasting impact.

Nearly 100 years have elapsed since the Scopes trial, yet surprisingly little has truly changed.

Creationism persists as a significant force, and numerous states mandate that their science textbooks minimize the importance of evolution.

This remarkable book offers detailed background information on all the key figures in the trial, namely Darrow, Bryan, and the ACLU. It reveals that neither the defense, led by Darrow and others, nor the prosecution, headed by Bryan and his team, were in complete unanimity regarding their respective positions.

Bryan, in particular, receives a far more empathetic portrayal in this book compared to his depiction in the play/movie "Inherit the Wind." "Summer for the Gods" meticulously details the many liberties that were taken during the creation of that work.

Notably, this book was honored with the Pulitzer Prize in the history category, a testament to its significance and scholarly rigor.

It serves as an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and ongoing debate between science and religion in American society.

I had high expectations for this book. I was hoping it would explore uncharted territory, but unfortunately, it failed to do so. It was recommended to me by a fellow believer as an excellent overview of the trial and the case. While it did indeed focus on the legal aspects, it also exhibited a certain bias.

In one particular area, it went to great lengths to explain the evolutionist position, yet the only explanation of creation science was to simply state that it was believed by fundamentalists. Moreover, the word "fundamentalist" was often used in a derogatory manner. I found the book to be unbalanced, poorly organized, and truly lacking in any new information regarding this trial. I persevered with it, constantly thinking that it would improve. Sadly, my hopes were dashed.

Overall, I was extremely disappointed with this book. It did not meet my expectations and failed to provide the in-depth and objective analysis that I was seeking. I would not recommend this book to others who are looking for a comprehensive understanding of the trial and the case.

Larson’s Pulitzer Prize winning book “Summer for the Gods” is an extremely enlightening piece of literature.

I have a great penchant for reading about the conflict between science and religion, and this book provides the true account of the famous “Trial of the Century”.

The book offers a comprehensive history of the Scopes Trial, also known as the “Monkey Trial”. It vividly describes the events leading up to the trial, the trial itself, the outcome, and its significance for American society and culture.

We are presented with an intriguing portrayal of some of the key figures involved. Clarence Darrow, the defense attorney, John Scopes, a young teacher who became the test case for teaching Evolution, and Williams Jennings Bryan, the attorney for the prosecution and a proponent of the emerging Fundamentalist movement.

There is a detailed overview of the evolving status of creationism and evolutionism over the past century, particularly in relation to school curriculum and religious revivals. We also learn about the role of the ACLU, which was interested in this case on the grounds of civil liberties for education, speech, and expression.

The book is filled with courtroom drama, as well as the thoughts and actions of the locals and the events that followed the decision. It showcases the passion that people have for their scientific and religious beliefs.

Even today, the debate continues, with the term Intelligent Design now regularly used and debated.

This book is highly recommended for those who have heard the legends of the Scopes trial, as well as for the younger generation who may have only heard of it in passing. It helps us to better understand history and the path that has led us to where we are today.

4.5 - Overall, this is an enjoyable and easy read. It presents the information in a clear and engaging manner, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. The author does a great job of presenting both sides of the creation vs. evolution debate, without taking a stance. This allows the reader to form their own opinions based on the facts presented.

The Afterword is an excellent summary of the current (as of 2006) status of the creation vs. evolution debate. It provides an overview of the latest research and developments in the field, and offers some insights into where the debate may be headed in the future. Overall, this is a great book for anyone interested in learning more about the creation vs. evolution debate.

Outstanding! Well written, balanced and superbly researched.

It turns out that most of what I thought I knew about this landmark case was wrong. And to be honest, I had never even seen the terrible movie related to it.

The book is extremely easy to read and engaging. In fact, it is actually a really fun book to read. What's more, it is funny in ways that I had not expected at all. It provides a fresh perspective on the case, presenting the facts in an interesting and accessible manner.

Whether you are a legal enthusiast or just someone looking for an entertaining read, this book is definitely worth checking out. It will not only correct your misconceptions but also keep you entertained throughout.

Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about this landmark case or simply enjoys a well-written and engaging book.

Before the trial, there were significant social, religious, and political antecedents. Society was divided along various lines, with different beliefs and values clashing. The religious community held strong views on certain matters, which often influenced the political landscape. Scientific progress, although to a lesser extent, was also a factor, as new ideas and discoveries were challenging traditional beliefs.

During the trial, the interchange between Bryan and Darrow was a key moment. However, as I read the transcript, I felt that it was brief and disappointingly superficial in terms of intellectual depth. The debate could have delved deeper into the issues at hand, exploring the nuances and implications of each argument. Greater detail of the actual trial would have enhanced our understanding of the proceedings and the forces at play.

After the trial, there were consequences that reverberated through society. The outcome had an impact on the way people thought about religion, science, and the relationship between the two. It also influenced political discussions and decisions. While the trial may not have resolved all the issues, it did spark important conversations and set the stage for further exploration and evolution.

Overall, a more detailed account of the trial would have provided a more comprehensive understanding of its significance and the broader context in which it took place.

The real issue at hand is not merely what can be taught within the walls of public schools, but rather who should hold the reins and control the education system. This profound statement by William Jennings Bryan (for the prosecution in the State of TN v Scopes) sets the stage for a thought-provoking exploration.

I am hesitant to label this book as a complete waste of a month. To be fair, it did impart several valuable lessons. Firstly, it taught me to temper my expectations when it comes to awards, considering the book is a Pulitzer winner. Secondly, it caused me to reevaluate and decrease my overall faith and confidence in both the judicial and educational systems in America. Thirdly, it sharpened my ability to discern so-called neutral writing. Just as the Leaning Tower of Pisa's name is self-evident, "Summer for the Gods" also has a distinct lean, one with which I disagree. However, I was willing to reserve judgment until I completed the entire book.

There also existed a hierarchy of annoyance. Firstly, the players involved in the actual history of the narrative were all exasperating in their own ways. The courtroom in rural Tennessee was filled not only with anticipation, hopes, and dreams but also with an abundance of ego and motives from both the prosecution and defense, as well as the judge and the town. Secondly, the ideals, beliefs, doctrines, and theologies were quickly reduced to straw men throughout the narrative. While this was somewhat expected, it soon became tiresome. To the author's credit, the book is about the trial and not solely about politics or religion. However, whenever the religious aspects were discussed, they were quickly and superficially built up only to be easily knocked down. Thirdly, I simply did not think the book was well-written. Years ago, I read a similar account in a book called "Star Spangled Scandal: Sex, Murder, and the trial that changed America" by Chris DeRose. That book had me engrossed from the start, although it did become a bit tedious towards the end during the recording of the actual trial. In contrast, "Summer for the Gods" failed to capture my interest from the beginning, despite the topic being of great significance to me as a Christian American with a firm, biblical worldview who homeschools his children.

The entire discussion and narrative seem to ignore the elephants in the room. For instance, if the state is prescribing and dictating "truth" (science, as the author suggests, rather than religion), is this not a form of state-sponsored religion? If theism is considered religious, then atheism is also a belief system, albeit one that is opposite to theism. If this case truly represented a battle of ideals, can we all agree that shaping young minds has a profound impact on future generations? And finally, why are public schools the main battleground? Why isn't homeschooling part of the discussion? Throughout human history, people have been educated and trained at home by their parents or families.

"If you take these young tender children from their parents by the compulsory school law and teach them this stuff about man originating from some protoplasm or one-cell matter or lower form of life, they will never believe the Bible story of divine creation." – Speaker of the Senate, L.D. Hill (TN) – from the book. Was this not the essence of the matter? And is it not still relevant today?

4.5

This book provides a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the Scopes Trials. It begins by delving into the issues of tension between religion and evolution that preceded the trial, offering a detailed examination of Williams Jennings Bryant.

The trial itself is then covered in great detail, including its impact on the ongoing debate. Most readers are likely familiar with the Scopes Trial through the film Inherit the Wind, and this book clarifies what aspects of the film were accurate and which were not.

Furthermore, the book also touches on the topic of Intelligent Design today, adding another layer of depth to the discussion. Overall, it offers a fascinating look at the trial and its far-reaching implications for education, law, and the ongoing debate between science and religion.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding this important moment in American history and its continued relevance today.