Evolution and Creationism

Christian C. Young teaches introductory biology, evolution, environmental studies, and the relationship between science and society at Alverno College in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He is assistant professor of biology and a member of the department for Developing a Global Perspective. His research focuses on social controversies about and within science, particularly over environmental topics.Mark A. Largent is assistant professor of science policy in James Madison College at Michigan State University, where he teaches courses on the history of science and U.S. science policy. His research and writing focuses on the history of biology, in particular the evolution/creation debates and the history of the American eugenics movement. Trained as a historian of science and technology, his work explores the role of American biologists in various political and social movements as well as the impact of science on policy debates in the early twentieth century.

"Before the 19th century, the idea that a living species could evolve into a new species was inconceivable. In the early 1800s, examination of the fossil record and natural observations, such as the progression of form seen in both plants and animals, led a few natural scientists to the controversial view that living organisms had changed over time. Through excerpts from influential documents, Young and Largent provide the history of the evolution debate, from the pre-Darwinian era, through the publication of Darwin's works, and up to the current debate over the teaching of intelligent design creationism in public schools. Each chapter includes an overview of the debate in the era covered. A brief analysis accompanies each primary source. Keeping this volume to less than 300 pages, the editors successfully selected concise excerpts that reflect the arguments of each era. This volume is most appropriate for libraries supporting courses/programs in science policy and the history of science. Recommended. Lower-/upper-level undergraduates and graduate students." - Choice