The year is 1925, and the students of Dayton, Tennessee, are ready for a summer of fishing, swimming, some working, and drinking root beer floats at Robinsonâs Drugstore. But when their science teacher, J. T. Scopes, is arrested for having taught Darwinâs theory of evolution in class, it seems it wonât be just any ordinary summer in Dayton. As Scopesâ trial proceeds, the small town is faced with astonishing, nationwide publicity: reporters, lawyers, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists. But amidst the circus-like atmosphere is a threatening sense of tensionânot only in the courtroom, but among even the strongest of friends. This compelling novel in poems chronicles a controversy with a profound impact on science and culture in Americaâand one that continues to this day.
The year is 1925, and the students of Dayton, Tennessee, are ready for a summer of fishing, swimming, some working, and drinking root beer floats at Robinsonâs Drugstore. But when their science teacher, J. T. Scopes, is arrested for having taught Darwinâs theory of evolution in class, it seems it wonât be just any ordinary summer in Dayton. As Scopesâ trial proceeds, the small town is faced with astonishing, nationwide publicity: reporters, lawyers, scientists, religious leaders, and tourists. But amidst the circus-like atmosphere is a threatening sense of tensionânot only in the courtroom, but among even the strongest of friends. This compelling novel in poems chronicles a controversy with a profound impact on science and culture in Americaâand one that continues to this day.