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The Trial of the Century
NATIONAL BESTSELLER
A gripping and comprehensive history of the iconic attorney Clarence Darrow and the famous Scopes Monkey Trial, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Russia Hoax and the “superb” (Sean Hannity) Witch Hunt.
Nearly a century ago, famed liberal attorney Clarence Darrow defended schoolteacher John Scopes in a blockbuster legal proceeding that brought the attention of the entire country to the small town of Dayton, Tennessee. Darrow’s seminal defense of freedom of speech helped form the legal bedrock on which our civil liberties depend today. Expertly researched, eye-opening, and stirring, The Trial of the Century calls upon our past to unite Americans in the defense of the free exchange of ideas, especially in this divided time.
A gripping and comprehensive history of the iconic attorney Clarence Darrow and the famous Scopes Monkey Trial, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Russia Hoax and the “superb” (Sean Hannity) Witch Hunt.
Nearly a century ago, famed liberal attorney Clarence Darrow defended schoolteacher John Scopes in a blockbuster legal proceeding that brought the attention of the entire country to the small town of Dayton, Tennessee. Darrow’s seminal defense of freedom of speech helped form the legal bedrock on which our civil liberties depend today. Expertly researched, eye-opening, and stirring, The Trial of the Century calls upon our past to unite Americans in the defense of the free exchange of ideas, especially in this divided time.
Audiobook
Published May 30, 2023
About the author
Gregg Jarrett
6 books69 followersGregg Jarrett is a New York based American news anchor, commentator and attorney. He currently serves as legal analyst and offers commentary across both Fox News Channel and FOX Business Network. He joined the Fox News Channel in November 2002, after working over ten years for local TV stations affiliated with NBC, ABC, PBS and national networks Court TV, and MSNBC.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 19, 2026
The Trial of the Century is a true story about a small town, Dayton, Tennessee, in 1925 where a 25-year-old schoolteacher, John Scopes, was arrested and tried for teaching the science of evolution to his class, using an approved school textbook from the early 1900's.
Academic freedom was at stake. Scopes wasn't on trial, civilization was on trial.
In one corner was renowned attorney Clarence Darrow who firmly believed in the principles of the First Amendment and the Constitution. In the other corner, it felt like the entire town, the judge, and three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan were determined that Christian beliefs must be taught in public schools.
It was high stakes courtroom drama that resonates with similar arguments and debates today about education.
An interesting side story in the book is about two brothers, John and Sue Hicks. Sue Hicks was named after his mother died in childbirth. Hicks played a significant part in the Scopes' trial. Hicks was immortalized in Shel Silverstein's poem, "A Boy Named Sue," which later became a music hit for Johnny Cash.
Academic freedom was at stake. Scopes wasn't on trial, civilization was on trial.
In one corner was renowned attorney Clarence Darrow who firmly believed in the principles of the First Amendment and the Constitution. In the other corner, it felt like the entire town, the judge, and three-time presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan were determined that Christian beliefs must be taught in public schools.
It was high stakes courtroom drama that resonates with similar arguments and debates today about education.
An interesting side story in the book is about two brothers, John and Sue Hicks. Sue Hicks was named after his mother died in childbirth. Hicks played a significant part in the Scopes' trial. Hicks was immortalized in Shel Silverstein's poem, "A Boy Named Sue," which later became a music hit for Johnny Cash.
June 11, 2023
A small town's fight for intellectual freedom
Imagine a scene in a local drugstore, in the insignificant town of Dayton, Tennessee. Local business man have gathered with a plan to put Dayton back on the map. What if they can find a willing school teacher that can challenge the Butler Act from 1925, that prohibits public school teachers from denying the book of Genesis account of mankind's origin. And what if you can find such a teacher? Then you have the Scopes Trial of 1925, where the teacher (Scopes) is indicted for teaching the theory of Evolution.
According to Jarrett, this is the famous 'Trial of the Century', not only due to its cause, but also the podium for a showdown between William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow, two heavyweights where the famous exchange between Darrow and Bryan went into the history books. What was at stake? According to Darrow, just as people should be permitted to exercise religion freely, they should be allowed to learn science freely. Darrow's defence of Scopes posed a vital question: if science was to be excluded by law, where was man to gain his wealth of knowledge?
Unfortunately, the presiding judge, John T. Raulston, was biased towards the prosecution and frequently clashed with Darrow. The fact that the judge was presiding under a sign that read 'Read your bible daily' and every morning the trial was started with a prayer, were tell-tale signs. Soon Darrow realized his efforts were wasted in Dayton even though Scopes never told his students that the theory of evolution denies the story of the divine creation of man as thought in the bible, as the statute prohibited. But the wakening of the country exceeded their hopes. For a few days in the stifling heat in July 1925, all eyes were upon the trial.
After eight days of trial, it took the jury only nine minutes to deliberate. Scopes was found guilty on July 21 and ordered by judge Raulston to pay a $100 fine. Although the verdict was later overturned on a technicality.
While this book primarily focuses on the Scopes Monkey Trial, the author also expresses admiration for Clarence Darrow, whom he considers one of the greatest lawyers in history. If your intention is to delve into the trial itself, you can safely skip the initial chapters, which serve as mini biographies of the main adversaries. Despite this initial hurdle, I found the book increasingly engaging as it progressed.
Jarrett concludes that the debate and deliberation surrounding evolution persist fiercely. Even today, some American biology teachers cautiously avoid mentioning Darwin's foundational theory, despite its universal inclusion in textbooks. Therefore, Darrow's defense in the Scopes Trial remains relevant and essential. In this light, the Scopes Monkey Trial truly deserves the moniker of the trial of the century.
While I remain unsure if this trial truly deserves such a grandiose title, I must acknowledge that Jarrett's account of the trial is undeniably entertaining, although I could have done without the extensive introduction.
Read more of my reviews on my blog
Imagine a scene in a local drugstore, in the insignificant town of Dayton, Tennessee. Local business man have gathered with a plan to put Dayton back on the map. What if they can find a willing school teacher that can challenge the Butler Act from 1925, that prohibits public school teachers from denying the book of Genesis account of mankind's origin. And what if you can find such a teacher? Then you have the Scopes Trial of 1925, where the teacher (Scopes) is indicted for teaching the theory of Evolution.
According to Jarrett, this is the famous 'Trial of the Century', not only due to its cause, but also the podium for a showdown between William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow, two heavyweights where the famous exchange between Darrow and Bryan went into the history books. What was at stake? According to Darrow, just as people should be permitted to exercise religion freely, they should be allowed to learn science freely. Darrow's defence of Scopes posed a vital question: if science was to be excluded by law, where was man to gain his wealth of knowledge?
Unfortunately, the presiding judge, John T. Raulston, was biased towards the prosecution and frequently clashed with Darrow. The fact that the judge was presiding under a sign that read 'Read your bible daily' and every morning the trial was started with a prayer, were tell-tale signs. Soon Darrow realized his efforts were wasted in Dayton even though Scopes never told his students that the theory of evolution denies the story of the divine creation of man as thought in the bible, as the statute prohibited. But the wakening of the country exceeded their hopes. For a few days in the stifling heat in July 1925, all eyes were upon the trial.
After eight days of trial, it took the jury only nine minutes to deliberate. Scopes was found guilty on July 21 and ordered by judge Raulston to pay a $100 fine. Although the verdict was later overturned on a technicality.
While this book primarily focuses on the Scopes Monkey Trial, the author also expresses admiration for Clarence Darrow, whom he considers one of the greatest lawyers in history. If your intention is to delve into the trial itself, you can safely skip the initial chapters, which serve as mini biographies of the main adversaries. Despite this initial hurdle, I found the book increasingly engaging as it progressed.
Jarrett concludes that the debate and deliberation surrounding evolution persist fiercely. Even today, some American biology teachers cautiously avoid mentioning Darwin's foundational theory, despite its universal inclusion in textbooks. Therefore, Darrow's defense in the Scopes Trial remains relevant and essential. In this light, the Scopes Monkey Trial truly deserves the moniker of the trial of the century.
While I remain unsure if this trial truly deserves such a grandiose title, I must acknowledge that Jarrett's account of the trial is undeniably entertaining, although I could have done without the extensive introduction.
Read more of my reviews on my blog
September 13, 2023
Once again, my favorite thing about a book is how much I learned. I learned a lot about the Scopes trial, the town of Dayton, TN, the attorneys on both sides, and the political and religious climates of the time. A worthwhile read.
February 3, 2025
I can say confidently that this was, in fact, not the trial of the century
January 12, 2024
A summary overview of the Scopes trial, slanted toward Clarence Darrow and much less enamored of William Jennings Bryan, whom I have long felt was opposed to social darwinism. The last chapter comparing the Butler Act in Tennessee in 1925 to current efforts to curtail critical race theory as an appropriate subject for educational discourse is most helpful.
June 19, 2025
I learned a lot about a historic event that I knew a little about. This was a very well told synopsis of a situation that unfortunately can be found in circumstances today.
“It was a carnival from start to finish. Every Bible-shouting, psalm singing pulpit hero in the state poured out of the hills and brought his soapbox with him.” - John Scopes
“It was a carnival from start to finish. Every Bible-shouting, psalm singing pulpit hero in the state poured out of the hills and brought his soapbox with him.” - John Scopes
June 4, 2023
Relevant for today
A tribute to Darrow,the book tells the story of Tennessee's effort to restrict scientific inquiry and enforce orthodox Christian beliefs or fundamentalist. In reading the book.the reader can easily relate to our own times when State legislators are enacting laws that seek to enforce a certain dogma an they hovel to an enlighten society. William Jennings Bryan is the model for many of today's politicians. Bryan was humiliated Let us hope his successors are similiar humilated
A tribute to Darrow,the book tells the story of Tennessee's effort to restrict scientific inquiry and enforce orthodox Christian beliefs or fundamentalist. In reading the book.the reader can easily relate to our own times when State legislators are enacting laws that seek to enforce a certain dogma an they hovel to an enlighten society. William Jennings Bryan is the model for many of today's politicians. Bryan was humiliated Let us hope his successors are similiar humilated
September 13, 2023
The writing in this book was so painfully redundant that it read like a high school student trying to meet the teacher’s word count requirement without doing any additional research. I learned a few fun facts on top of what I learned from high school history twenty years ago, but this was definitely not a deep historical dive into the trial. The frequent critical description historical figures’ body sizes and fat shaming was also cringe-worthy for a book released in 2023.
April 10, 2026
I Found the info on the trial itself interesting. Not surprisingly, those in favor of the prosecution had false beliefs about bible teachings.
Finally, when I got to the Epilogue, I flat out found I couldn't finish. Mr. Jarrett has every right to his opinion, but I suspect he has no first-hand knowledge of either the Theory of Evolution, Evolution, or what the bible itself really teaches. I suspect his opinion is based upon the thinking and sayings of others. Such tends to weaken his opinion.
The trial brought out several wrong points made by the Prosecution. Examples: the bible does not teach the earth is flat, in fact the opposite. It describes the earth as a circle hanging upon nothing. And it doesn't define creation days as 24 hours in length. Various religious faiths and persons say 24 hours, but not the bible itself. These creation days are scripturally undetermined in length. One simple example...God told Adam that he would die on the day he ate from the tree of knowledge of good and bad. Ignoring that warning, he did eat from that tree. Adam died 900 plus years later. Whether or not one believes the story of Adam, the point is clear that in this case a day according to the bible far exceeded the length of 24 hours. We've all heard phrases such as "In my grandfather's day..."; "The day of the dinosaur"; etc. A day could clearly be thousands or even millions of years.
Actually, those critical of the bible have not really study what the bible actually says or teaches. They rely/depend upon what others say. And sadly, the very same holds true for those so eager to defend both the Theory of Evolution and Evolution itself. In point of fact, the Theory of Evolution does not qualify scientifically as a valid theory. Why? Because it cannot be tested or proven.
Evolution itself is full of major unanswered questions. And yet, being unanswered most scientists still say it is a fact. Unprovable, but a fact. Example: to go to the very beginning...one day, somehow(?), an inanimate object (?) came to life in an extremely hostile ocean of uncertain(?) properties. Think on it, at the moment this item(?) came to life it had to be able to do a number of things. It had to be able to protect itself from its environment, it had to be able consume nourishment, it had to be able to expel its waste, and it had to be able to reproduce.
But, our scientists, though they can't tell or prove all that had to happen or how, settle the questions by stating it worked out over millions of years of time. Time solved it all. They can't say for how, and they can't give much in the way of specific examples, but no matter, time eliminates all doubts for them. Of course, what other choice do they have? They even have to ignore the statistic's law that says when the odds reach a certain level the happening is impossible...it won't happen! Let us not ignore that scientists are humans just like the rest of us. They have strengths, weaknesses, faults, and opinions, as do we all. When they look at evidence, they ask not what does this show? Instead, they ask, how does this prove evolution, and then they see that it does. What other choice do they have? It's not a choice they choose to consider.
Finally, though too late to fault the Prosecution for it's false beliefs regarding bible teachings I can be critical of Mr. Jarrett's Epilogue and because of it, not recommend this book. Being a lawyer, he knows the value of research. Yet clearly his Epilogue shows he failed to go beyond the trial itself. He allowed the sayings and thinking of others to dictate his personal thinking and opinions. He has a right to it, and I have the right not to read or adhere to it. I do my own research, and he obviously didn't.
Finally, when I got to the Epilogue, I flat out found I couldn't finish. Mr. Jarrett has every right to his opinion, but I suspect he has no first-hand knowledge of either the Theory of Evolution, Evolution, or what the bible itself really teaches. I suspect his opinion is based upon the thinking and sayings of others. Such tends to weaken his opinion.
The trial brought out several wrong points made by the Prosecution. Examples: the bible does not teach the earth is flat, in fact the opposite. It describes the earth as a circle hanging upon nothing. And it doesn't define creation days as 24 hours in length. Various religious faiths and persons say 24 hours, but not the bible itself. These creation days are scripturally undetermined in length. One simple example...God told Adam that he would die on the day he ate from the tree of knowledge of good and bad. Ignoring that warning, he did eat from that tree. Adam died 900 plus years later. Whether or not one believes the story of Adam, the point is clear that in this case a day according to the bible far exceeded the length of 24 hours. We've all heard phrases such as "In my grandfather's day..."; "The day of the dinosaur"; etc. A day could clearly be thousands or even millions of years.
Actually, those critical of the bible have not really study what the bible actually says or teaches. They rely/depend upon what others say. And sadly, the very same holds true for those so eager to defend both the Theory of Evolution and Evolution itself. In point of fact, the Theory of Evolution does not qualify scientifically as a valid theory. Why? Because it cannot be tested or proven.
Evolution itself is full of major unanswered questions. And yet, being unanswered most scientists still say it is a fact. Unprovable, but a fact. Example: to go to the very beginning...one day, somehow(?), an inanimate object (?) came to life in an extremely hostile ocean of uncertain(?) properties. Think on it, at the moment this item(?) came to life it had to be able to do a number of things. It had to be able to protect itself from its environment, it had to be able consume nourishment, it had to be able to expel its waste, and it had to be able to reproduce.
But, our scientists, though they can't tell or prove all that had to happen or how, settle the questions by stating it worked out over millions of years of time. Time solved it all. They can't say for how, and they can't give much in the way of specific examples, but no matter, time eliminates all doubts for them. Of course, what other choice do they have? They even have to ignore the statistic's law that says when the odds reach a certain level the happening is impossible...it won't happen! Let us not ignore that scientists are humans just like the rest of us. They have strengths, weaknesses, faults, and opinions, as do we all. When they look at evidence, they ask not what does this show? Instead, they ask, how does this prove evolution, and then they see that it does. What other choice do they have? It's not a choice they choose to consider.
Finally, though too late to fault the Prosecution for it's false beliefs regarding bible teachings I can be critical of Mr. Jarrett's Epilogue and because of it, not recommend this book. Being a lawyer, he knows the value of research. Yet clearly his Epilogue shows he failed to go beyond the trial itself. He allowed the sayings and thinking of others to dictate his personal thinking and opinions. He has a right to it, and I have the right not to read or adhere to it. I do my own research, and he obviously didn't.
May 13, 2026
I knew a little about the trial before I read the book. I knew Tennessee state law made it a crime to teach evolution, yet had no idea the required textbook had a chapter about evolution - some student would still have looked through that chapter and gained the information. I am also baffled that this even went to court because of “separation of church and state”, not all religion believes god created everything and lots of science based personnel fully believe and accept evolution. “If today you can take a thing like evolution and make it a crime to teach it in public school … tomorrow you may ban books and magazines and the newspapers”. It’s crazy to think how spot on Clarence Darrow was then, and still is today. Every time I heard the town name I always thought of Ohio, and find it a little odd that they in fact named the city after the city in Ohio. A little less surprised to learn that the city leaders / business owners took advantage of the trial spotlight to grow an economic boom in their area. It seems so crazy to me that Tennessee refused to teach evolution because it “denies the Story of the Divine Creation of man”, when not everyone believes in that or any of the teachings of the Bible. I too think it’s weird that court started with a prayer, and thought it showed favoritism in this case especially since it is education versus religion. It’s insane to me that the judge denied scientists to testify, especially when most of the jurors didn’t know what evolution was and that “Scopes never denied ‘the Story of the Divine Creation of man’, which the law stated has to occur if illegally teaching evolution. So by the state law Scopes did nothing wrong by teaching evolution and not denying the Bible. Judge Raulston clearly showed his favoritism. I like the fact that they wanted to challenge the law, but find it messed up they only did so to bring attention and economic growth to Dayton, and place a poor innocent teacher in the downfall. Even if it was a test case, it still bothers me. I had no idea this trial was the first trial to be broadcasted live across the country. It blows my mind that the judge could be so one sided and get away with it. I was shocked to learn that the textbook the state approved was being used for 11 years, but now all of a sudden there’s an issue. If the state approved the textbook then they knew that law would get teachers in trouble, unless they changed the textbook, which of course they didn’t do. I love that the defense mentions, “Science and religion embrace two separate and distinct fields of thought and learning”. It baffles me that the governor, who signed the Butler Act into law, even claimed that no teacher could get in trouble for teaching the textbook under the new law, and yet poor Mr. Scopes is in (a planned) court guilty of just that. And the favoritism from the judge is a huge disgrace to the justice system. I was shocked to learn students in Dayton today never heard about this trail, that made their little town famous for a short while. “The human mind is an open canvas of possibilities. We should be free to paint with our own brushstrokes”. Overall I enjoyed the book and learning more about the famous Scopes Monkey Trail. I am grateful this trail took place so students can learn about evolution, and other subjects without threats to the jobs of our teachers. I fully agree, “that no one should be told how to think”.
July 2, 2023
I never realized that the trial was staged. It was basically a publicity stunt, cleverly orchestrated by locals in Dayton, Tennessee to bring much needed notice, popularity and attention to the area. Small town substitute teacher and coach John Scopes agreed ahead of time to be the victim, the focus of a test against a newly passed law by the Tennessee legislature banning the teaching of Darwin's theory evolution. Ironically the science textbook Scopes was given as a teacher and required by law to use clearly put forth Darwin's ideas for students. But the new law made it a crime to teach evolution and disavow a literal interpretation of the Bible's story of creation. He was required to teach what was now against the law.
What also amazed me about this book was not so much the details of the trial itself. Clearly the outcome of the trial was predetermined and a wanton and intentional display of justice gone awry. All Scopes faced was a fine, and it was all a dry run of sorts to send the issue on appeal to higher courts. But the media spotlight made the characters and issues monumentally important. The issues were truly of epic importance. The issues are still with us a century later.
Fundamentalist Christianity has remained a pivotal flash point in the culture divide we face today, just as it has historically and was central to the Scopes trial. In fact it seems to keep doubling down, and extreme right wing zealots and activists have penetrated our politics, educational systems and other aspects of our culture with attempts to control things to their own agenda.
This book was NOT propaganda or an attempt to indoctrinate or persuade, but was a documented and fascinating record of the historic trial. It was readable and interesting. In the final chapter, Jarrett does acknowledge that the current CRT theory is under the exact same attack as Darwin and evolution suffered a century ago. The anti science, anti learning segment of our population is determined to control our educational and intellectual agendas. Misinformation, conspiracy theories and out right lies and intentional manipulation of facts are rampant. Books are being banned, teachers told what to teach and what not to, and ignorance and self interest and sanitized fictional history is being promoted across the nation.
This book tells the story of the seeds of what is happening today. We are a nation divided and in turmoil, and the issues have not been made better in time. Larger than life figures like Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan had their moment in the spotlight and opened the door to today's ongoing cultural battles. Ironically the issues are bigger than ever, and the gulf between the opinions wider than ever imagined.
What also amazed me about this book was not so much the details of the trial itself. Clearly the outcome of the trial was predetermined and a wanton and intentional display of justice gone awry. All Scopes faced was a fine, and it was all a dry run of sorts to send the issue on appeal to higher courts. But the media spotlight made the characters and issues monumentally important. The issues were truly of epic importance. The issues are still with us a century later.
Fundamentalist Christianity has remained a pivotal flash point in the culture divide we face today, just as it has historically and was central to the Scopes trial. In fact it seems to keep doubling down, and extreme right wing zealots and activists have penetrated our politics, educational systems and other aspects of our culture with attempts to control things to their own agenda.
This book was NOT propaganda or an attempt to indoctrinate or persuade, but was a documented and fascinating record of the historic trial. It was readable and interesting. In the final chapter, Jarrett does acknowledge that the current CRT theory is under the exact same attack as Darwin and evolution suffered a century ago. The anti science, anti learning segment of our population is determined to control our educational and intellectual agendas. Misinformation, conspiracy theories and out right lies and intentional manipulation of facts are rampant. Books are being banned, teachers told what to teach and what not to, and ignorance and self interest and sanitized fictional history is being promoted across the nation.
This book tells the story of the seeds of what is happening today. We are a nation divided and in turmoil, and the issues have not been made better in time. Larger than life figures like Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan had their moment in the spotlight and opened the door to today's ongoing cultural battles. Ironically the issues are bigger than ever, and the gulf between the opinions wider than ever imagined.
September 22, 2023
Mr. Jarrett, in his desire to heap praise upon his childhood icon Clarence Darrow, miss interpreted the most important aspect of the 'Scopes Monkey Trial'. Jarrett wrote this book to praise his revered Clarence Darrow and probably no courtroom setting for Darrow and his brilliance compares to that which pitted Darrow, a non-Christian, against William Jennings Bryan, an evangelical Christian and Biblical literalist. At the center of this clash between a courtroom titan and one of America's most brilliant orators was the issue of teaching evolution in Tennessee classrooms, a prohibited act under then Tennessee law. Darrow defended the teacher of evolution, John T. Scopes, in a hostile court setting which, as Jarrett argues, the out-come was predetermined against Scopes. In the faced of certain failure, Darrow determined to make a statement intended to resound beyond the trial and the setting. With great risk, Darrow called Bryan to the witness stand in the hopes he could make this renowned orator look foolish and thus present Darrow with his strongest, most unassailable argument. In that sense, Darrow accomplished his objective and Jarrett validated his esteem for Darrow. So where did Jarrett miss the most important aspect of this story? It was in Jarrett's myopic focus his childhood hero, Darrow because the story rests with Bryan, the famed orator, who couldn't swat the softball Darrow lobbed to him. Darrow hadn't a clue how Bryan would respond to him but set to make Bryan look childish by asking if Bryan truly believed that a fish, such as had never existed in the body of water described in the Biblical passage, actually shallowed whole the recalcitrant Jonah, held him in its belly for three days to enable Jonah to rethink his disobedience and then regurgitate a now repentant Jonah. Bryan, flummoxed, fumbled the response and thus made Darrow's case and further elevated the nation's foremost barrister for the downtrodden because he accepted Darrow's premise that such a story was too outlandish to be true. The story untold is why Bryan fumbled and what would have happened had Bryan challenged Darrow's assumption that putting a man inside a large fish for three days is somehow beyond the capability of the Creator of the universe, the Creator of life, the One who was before He was. What if Bryan would have compared these bedrock Christian beliefs to Darrow's support of the notion what fish decided to grow limbs and lungs which function on oxygen and walk from the sea to land? What proof exist(s) that this happened? Had Bryan not missed this opportunity Darrow might be looked upon today quite differently.
July 19, 2023
"The human mind is an open canvas of possibilities. We should be free to paint it with our own brushstrokes." This would have been a good epitaph for my High School Yearbook picture, but it is a quote from the end of a book I just finished, The Trial of the Century by Gregg Jarrett. The quote well expresses the author's philosophy as well as that of the subject of the book, Clarence Darrow. Ostensibly the book was about the so-called "Monkey Trial" conducted amid both the stifling heat and stifling bigotry of Dayton, Tennessee, a small town in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. I say "ostensibly" since the book bordered on a hagiography of Clarence Darrow, the great trial lawyer.
The book proved one thing: that Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century by Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, a fictionalized dramatization of the Scopes Trial, was remarkably faithful to the trial scene. I read Inherit the Wind in eighth, ninth or tenth grade.
I heartily recommend it for reading, though I do not give it a Goodreads "Five." If a three and a half were available that's what I would assign as a score. My quibbles were its borderline fawning over Clarence Darrow and a politically driven and not well written Epilogue. Those are quibbles, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
The book proved one thing: that Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century by Inherit the Wind: The Powerful Courtroom Drama in which Two Men Wage the Legal War of the Century by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, a fictionalized dramatization of the Scopes Trial, was remarkably faithful to the trial scene. I read Inherit the Wind in eighth, ninth or tenth grade.
I heartily recommend it for reading, though I do not give it a Goodreads "Five." If a three and a half were available that's what I would assign as a score. My quibbles were its borderline fawning over Clarence Darrow and a politically driven and not well written Epilogue. Those are quibbles, and I thoroughly enjoyed the read.
February 7, 2024
I appreciate the book in that it gave a very concise history of the Scopes trial and I learned a great deal. I was less impressed with the actual writing at times. Perhaps this was because of the addition of a second author. There were instances when a section of the story would be covered a second time a couple of pages later with no new material added. Whether it's accurate or not, it felt to me as each author took a pass at the same material without an editor combining the material.
The author also certainly had a much more favorable view of Darrow than Bryan. While I would agree with Darrow's arguments much more than Bryan's his continual diminution of Bryan took away from the argument that this was a battle of titans. The author is a great admirer of Darrow and given the way the information is presented a more accurate title might have been "Clarence Darrow and the Trial of the Century".
There were several issues that seem very relevant still today. Certainly the battle over who should judge the content of our classrooms, experienced educators or parents and politicians and that is covered very well in the book's final chapter. If there happens to be anyone hesitant to read this book because of the author's association with Fox or his previous Trump fawning books perhaps they should read this chapter first as they might be surprised by his conclusions.
The book was well researched and I would recommend it to anyone looking for more information about this noteworthy event.
The author also certainly had a much more favorable view of Darrow than Bryan. While I would agree with Darrow's arguments much more than Bryan's his continual diminution of Bryan took away from the argument that this was a battle of titans. The author is a great admirer of Darrow and given the way the information is presented a more accurate title might have been "Clarence Darrow and the Trial of the Century".
There were several issues that seem very relevant still today. Certainly the battle over who should judge the content of our classrooms, experienced educators or parents and politicians and that is covered very well in the book's final chapter. If there happens to be anyone hesitant to read this book because of the author's association with Fox or his previous Trump fawning books perhaps they should read this chapter first as they might be surprised by his conclusions.
The book was well researched and I would recommend it to anyone looking for more information about this noteworthy event.
October 20, 2024
I learned about this trial in an anti-evolutionist textbook I read in a homeschool co-op. At the time, it seemed that new evidence was coming out all the time proving creationism right and soon everyone would see the 'truth'. As I continued to grow up, no rushing tide of public opinion changed. No 'new evidence' changed the resolute scientific consensus.
I was forced to confront that maybe creationism wasn't right. Admitting that broke down the barrier holding back fears. It was never about the science of evolution vs creation. If it was, there'd be no argument. It was about fear. Fear over literal vs metaphorical interpretations of the Bible, the perceived threat to "being made in God's image," what does this mean for pre-fall suffering, along with other myriad fears. Tackling those isn't easy, especially since I'm not throwing out my faith in the Bible because it turned out I was taught a fundamentalist interpretation. The Lost World Series by John Walton has been helpful in starting to disentangle faith from fundamentalism.
I've learned that God cares more about people and generally lets us have fun discovering how the world works. While I don't think regretting my upbringing does any good, I think the youth of America are better served learning about evolution and its approximately 165 years of evidence. Therefore, I'm glad lawyers Darrow, Neal, and Malone defended John Scopes, and I thoroughly enjoyed Gregg Jarrett's book about their efforts.
I was forced to confront that maybe creationism wasn't right. Admitting that broke down the barrier holding back fears. It was never about the science of evolution vs creation. If it was, there'd be no argument. It was about fear. Fear over literal vs metaphorical interpretations of the Bible, the perceived threat to "being made in God's image," what does this mean for pre-fall suffering, along with other myriad fears. Tackling those isn't easy, especially since I'm not throwing out my faith in the Bible because it turned out I was taught a fundamentalist interpretation. The Lost World Series by John Walton has been helpful in starting to disentangle faith from fundamentalism.
I've learned that God cares more about people and generally lets us have fun discovering how the world works. While I don't think regretting my upbringing does any good, I think the youth of America are better served learning about evolution and its approximately 165 years of evidence. Therefore, I'm glad lawyers Darrow, Neal, and Malone defended John Scopes, and I thoroughly enjoyed Gregg Jarrett's book about their efforts.
February 7, 2024
In 1925, the world of education and the generic viewpoint of many was altered due to the trial this book goes through, the famous Scopes "monkey" trial. While originally played as a way to challenge the law that was on the books, it didn't take long to become an evolution vs creation battle. This book does a great job of laying out all the ins and outs of what lead up to the trial, the trial itself and the fallout of it all. While in some ways they have a point, jn others they were way off base. For me, one of the greatest disappointments was the lack of Biblical assurance in Bryan. This case not only introduced many to evolution in general, but became a more acceptable ideology after it. While the writing was excellent, the actual account is just nuts. And honestly, we are still having this discussion still today. The big thing is that the law did not want creation taken out of the discussion as to how the world came about. I remember in high school my science teacher teaching evolution as FACT. It is not. And that is the problem. While I know this world will never agree, it is crazy that in almost 100 years, not much has changed. I hold to the literal 6 day creation as stated in Genesis personally, but appteciate reading the other side and grasping how we got here. Good book, kinda disturbing in a historical context.
November 5, 2023
The Scopes Evolution Trial in 1925, more widely known as the Scopes Monkey Trial, which pitted Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan has great relevance to today's battle over what should be taught in schools.
Jarrett and Yeager dive deeply into the origins of the trial, the trial itself, and the ramifications of the outcome for the town of Dayton, Tennessee as well as the nation. I found ALL of it fascinating, because all I really knew about it was that a Broadway play and a movie had been made about it. The examinations of the issues on either side were fascinating, along with the judge's behavior, which probably would have led to the verdict being reversed on appeal today.
Two powerhouse celebrity figures with matching egos, but with two very different worldviews went up against each other. And were never the same again.
This would be a great book club book, no matter where you stand on the issue, and I would really hope that the Christian Nationalists would take Darrow's presentations to heart.
Jarrett and Yeager dive deeply into the origins of the trial, the trial itself, and the ramifications of the outcome for the town of Dayton, Tennessee as well as the nation. I found ALL of it fascinating, because all I really knew about it was that a Broadway play and a movie had been made about it. The examinations of the issues on either side were fascinating, along with the judge's behavior, which probably would have led to the verdict being reversed on appeal today.
Two powerhouse celebrity figures with matching egos, but with two very different worldviews went up against each other. And were never the same again.
This would be a great book club book, no matter where you stand on the issue, and I would really hope that the Christian Nationalists would take Darrow's presentations to heart.
April 10, 2024
Informative summation of the famous Scopes monkey trial of 1925 in Dayton, TN. The most interesting aspect of the case was the battle of wits between renowned defense counsel Clarence Darrow and prosecutor William Jennings Bryan, a three-time loser in presidential elections and the youngest person from a major party to ever run for that office. Next to the verbal combat between these two legal titans, the misguided repudiation of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution is little more than an afterthought.
Extensive quotes from the transcripts of the trial provide welcome context. The author also refers often to the autobiographies of Darrow and Scopes, which adds necessary heft to the court case and its aftermath.
Unfortunately, the volume is bookended by an unnecessary political preface and epilogue. The end remarks by Jarrett, a Fox News commentator, include his thoughts on the evils of teaching critical race theory, among other things. His previous two books are entitled “Witch Hunt” and “Russia Hoax,” which tell me everything I need to know about his personal bias.
Extensive quotes from the transcripts of the trial provide welcome context. The author also refers often to the autobiographies of Darrow and Scopes, which adds necessary heft to the court case and its aftermath.
Unfortunately, the volume is bookended by an unnecessary political preface and epilogue. The end remarks by Jarrett, a Fox News commentator, include his thoughts on the evils of teaching critical race theory, among other things. His previous two books are entitled “Witch Hunt” and “Russia Hoax,” which tell me everything I need to know about his personal bias.
January 19, 2024
First of all, I am suspicious of pretty much anything "written" by Jarrett, who in his public life is a serious conspiracy theorist, writing constantly about how the Deep State is anti-Trump and pro-Clintons.
Second, the topic is fascinating, and he gives a decent overview of the people and issues involved. Surprising to me, he very clearly favors the skeptic and socially-progressive Darrow over the religious and socially-progressive Bryan.
Third - and he loses stars for this, not for his politics - someone has made a bad job of editing. It could have been cut by 20% with no loss to the reader. Don Yaeger is his ghost-writer, but this doesn't let Jarrett off the hook and certainly doesn't excuse Yaeger. Confusing sentences and needless and annoying redundancy are the worst offenders.
Taking credit for books put together by ghost-writers seems to particularly infect Fox pundits.
Second, the topic is fascinating, and he gives a decent overview of the people and issues involved. Surprising to me, he very clearly favors the skeptic and socially-progressive Darrow over the religious and socially-progressive Bryan.
Third - and he loses stars for this, not for his politics - someone has made a bad job of editing. It could have been cut by 20% with no loss to the reader. Don Yaeger is his ghost-writer, but this doesn't let Jarrett off the hook and certainly doesn't excuse Yaeger. Confusing sentences and needless and annoying redundancy are the worst offenders.
Taking credit for books put together by ghost-writers seems to particularly infect Fox pundits.
March 25, 2024
A story worth reading, however, I found the writing did not meet the standard necessary.
The book was co-written, and large swaths of the text repeats itself from one chapter to the next. I imagine the co-authors intended to swap chapters, but in this effort they failed to provide a smooth transition for the reader.
Lastly, there is an odd lionization of Clarence Darrow throughout the text. A great lawyer in his time, no doubt about it, but it fails to mention many of his faults (and that many historians have theorized Scopes would have had a better chance with another attorney leading his defense).
The book was co-written, and large swaths of the text repeats itself from one chapter to the next. I imagine the co-authors intended to swap chapters, but in this effort they failed to provide a smooth transition for the reader.
Lastly, there is an odd lionization of Clarence Darrow throughout the text. A great lawyer in his time, no doubt about it, but it fails to mention many of his faults (and that many historians have theorized Scopes would have had a better chance with another attorney leading his defense).
January 26, 2024
Almost a century ago Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan were on opposite sides of the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, TN. The authors bring the event to life and explain its significance even unto today. Yes, Americans are still sparring over creationism and evolution.
I had some familiarity with the drama of the trial and it appears that the classic film Inherit the Wind starring Spencer Tracy and Frederic March was a remarkably accurate accounting.
I felt that this book was journalistic in its representation of facts and the parties involved. Thumbs up!
I had some familiarity with the drama of the trial and it appears that the classic film Inherit the Wind starring Spencer Tracy and Frederic March was a remarkably accurate accounting.
I felt that this book was journalistic in its representation of facts and the parties involved. Thumbs up!
April 29, 2025
4.5
This book was a really interesting read and gave me more insight into the John Scopes Trial that I had not read while in school. I wish, though, that the authors had given more insight into why it was considered the Trial of the Century. I liked how they connected the trial to the questions that are being raised today in education; considering, though, that this book makes the thesis that the Scopes Trial was the Trial of the Century, I would have liked to see more discussion on that particular point.
This book was a really interesting read and gave me more insight into the John Scopes Trial that I had not read while in school. I wish, though, that the authors had given more insight into why it was considered the Trial of the Century. I liked how they connected the trial to the questions that are being raised today in education; considering, though, that this book makes the thesis that the Scopes Trial was the Trial of the Century, I would have liked to see more discussion on that particular point.
September 20, 2026
I can understand why some people would feel this book moves a bit slow--there is a lot of build-up of the individual people involved in the trial before the trial is actually presented, but I personally loved getting a more complete picture of the people involved; it made their actions during the trial make more sense. The book is about what is commonly known as "The Scopes Monkey Trial," and I enjoyed getting a bit more of the picture than I did from "Inherit the Wind." Jarrett and his co-author did a copious amount of research, and I think it shows well in this book.
November 16, 2023
An extremely flawed account of an incredibly interesting story. I give this book two stars because the authors had the wherewithal to select a compelling premise, but the authors’ analysis is shallow. The book primarily serves as a memorial to Clarence Darrow. As someone sympathetic to the defense in this case, even I felt that the authors’ gushing over Darrow deprived the book of any historical merit.
March 5, 2024
The book focused more on how the monkey trial affected the town of Dayton more than it needed to, but the authors included some rare photos and insights regarding the judge and the prosecution. Scopes, the teacher, and the defendant in the trial, is covered well, but I was hoping for more information about Darrow's examination of William Jennings Bryan, with more from the transcript of the trial.
June 30, 2025
RE: the Scopes Monkey trial. I learned some things, and this book led me to finally watch Inherit the Wind, which has been on my list for ages. I think the book was way better than the movie at least! I did learn that the trial was just a stunt by some town leaders to try to put Dayton, Tennessee on the map, and bring in economic wealth, but that was a major fail. I'm glad I learned the history, but I wish I could have liked this more. I would give it 3 1/2 stars, but I like to round up!
May 22, 2023
I enjoyed the biographical information and the coverage of the trial. The authors painted a very vivid picture of the events and I found the book hard to put down. The book is a paean to Clarence Darrow, but this was done tastefully. Thank you to Edelweiss and Threshold Editions - Simon & Schuster for the digital review copy.
April 3, 2025
this needed to be longer to actually go in depth with the topics it wanted to explore. i don't understand why we got halfway through a 200 page book without really even mentioning the trial, just setting up background of the main players. this was a good outline, i guess, but not really a historical deep dive
July 23, 2025
I enjoyed the story of the trial, the people involved, and what happened to them after it ended. I could have done without the Epilogue, Jarrett’s commentary on CRT and how Darrow would fight for the right to teach these different views. The network he works for is so against it that it made Jarrett’s opinion on what Darrow would do seem hypocritical.
September 21, 2023
An interesting and detailed look at the trial of John Scopes who was accused of teaching evolution in Dayton, Tennesee in the 1920's. Good biographies of the major players (Scopes, Bryan & Darrow) included. Well done, engaging and concise.
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