Review by Choice Review
Political scientist Lienesch (North Carolina) gives a closely researched history of the movement, mainly among Christian evangelicals, to combat and reject Darwin's theory of evolution. This movement originated early in the 20th century, and its efforts climaxed at the famous Scopes trial in Tennessee in July 1925. The book mainly focuses on this period, although a final chapter traces the continuing development of the anti-evolution cause up the present. Lienesch combines the use of social movement theory with the often-colorful story of the events and characters who made up the crusade; he attempts "to address both specialists and generalists, those inside the academy and those outside it." In this, he succeeds. He also succeeds in being objective and respectful toward the Christian anti-evolutionists, while confessing that he agrees "with almost none of their views." However, the author does not try to evaluate the scientific merits of Darwinist theory; instead, he describes the efforts of opponents of the theory to turn their opposition into a political and ideological cause. As such, the book will appeal to readers interested in the conjunction of science and religion. Summing Up: Recommended. Most levels/libraries. J. Stauder University of Massachusetts--Dartmouth
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
