Scopes "Monkey Trial", The

The Scopes “Monkey Trial” provides users with a detailed and authoritative overview of this event and the principal figures involved in this pivotal episode in U.S. history. The preparation and arrangement of this volume—and all other books in the Defining Moments series—reflect an emphasis on providing a thorough and objective account of events that shaped our nation, presented in an easy-to-use reference work.

The book is divided into three primary sections. The first section, Narrative Overview, provides a detailed, factual account of the 1925 Scopes trial in Dayton, Tennessee. It explores the perspectives of both the supporters and opponents of the teaching of evolution, explains how the trial was set in motion by town leaders eager to reap a tourism bonanza, follows each day of testimony and courtroom maneuvering, and discusses how the battle between evolution and creationism continues to be waged in twenty-first century America.

The second section, Biographies, provides valuable biographical background on leading figures involved in the trial, including famed attorneys Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, high school teacher John T. Scopes, and journalist H.L. Mencken. Each biography concludes with a list of sources for further information on the profiled individual.

The third section, Primary Sources, collects essential and enlightening documents from the Scopes “Monkey Trial,” including excerpts from Clarence Darrow’s historic cross-examination of William Jennings Bryan at the trial; excerpts from Charles Darwin’s Descent of Man; controversial dispatches from trial watcher H.L. Mencken; and documents from the 2005 Kitzmiller v. Dover School Board “intelligent design” court proceedings.

Other primary sources featured in The Scopes “Monkey Trial” include excerpts from official documents, papers, letters, memoirs, and other important works.

Other valuable features

• Attribution and referencing of primary sources and other quoted material to help guide users to other valuable historical research resources
• Glossary of important people, places, and terms
• Detailed Chronology of events with a see reference feature. Under this arrangement, events listed in the chronology include a reference to page numbers within the Narrative Overview wherein users can find additional information on the event in question.
• Photographs of the leading figures and major events associated with the trial
• Sources for Further Study, an annotated list of noteworthy trial-related works
• Extensive bibliography of works consulted in the creation of this book, including books, periodicals, Internet sites, and videotape materials
• Subject Index