The 1925 trial of John Scopes -- prosecuted for teaching evolution in the local high school --may seem like ancient history. However, the issues it raised are with us today, as evidenced from the dangerous resurgence of creationism.

This extraordinary book brings the historic trial to life with rare and unusual photos never before collected in one place. During the six days of the trial, the tiny town of Dayton Tennessee swelled with visitors, scientific and legal experts, and newpaper reporters, and the photos give a sense of the carnival atmosphere that predominated. See the fiery prosecuting attorney, the three- time Presidential candidate, William Jennings Bryan -- here looking hot and tired -- and his equally fiery opponent, defense attorney Clarence Darrow; the crowded courtroom packed with spectators in the 100 degree heat; local townspeople selling monkey memorabilia; the huge banner on the court building admonishing "Read Your Bible"; and of course, a trained chimp on hand -- playing a child's piano, riding a horse, and posing for photographs.

If a picture is worth a thousand words, this book is worth 100 thousand. Gallons of ink have been used in describing the Scopes trial and its implications; but this book gives the reader a deep understanding of a different sort. Accompanying text by the Pultizer winning scholar Edward Larson gives a fine summary of the trial, corrects the many misconceptions, and offers descriptions of the photos themselves.

This book is well worth obtaining for anyone interested in this important episode in US history. Indeed, any college lecture on the Scopes trial would benefit from use of these fine photographs. ( )