“Brenda Wineapple’s wonderful account of the Scopes trial sheds light not only on the battles of the past but on the struggles of the present.”—Jon Meacham “History at its most delicious.”— The New York Times Book Review (front page review, Editors’ Choice) The dramatic story of the 1925 Scopes trial, which captivated the nation and exposed profound divisions in America that still resonate today—divisions over the meaning of freedom, religion, education, censorship, and civil liberties in a democracy “Propulsive . . .

a terrific story about a pivotal moment in our history.”—Ken Burns “No subject possesses the minds of men like religious bigotry and hate, and these fires are being lighted today in America.” So said legendary attorney Clarence Darrow as hundreds of people descended on the sleepy town of Dayton, Tennessee, for the trial of a schoolteacher named John T. Scopes, who was charged with breaking the law by teaching evolution to his biology class in a public school. Brenda Wineapple, the award-winning author of The Impeachers, explores how and why the Scopes trial quickly seemed a circus-like media sensation, drawing massive crowds and worldwide attention.

Darrow, a brilliant and controversial lawyer, said in his electrifying defense of Scopes that people should be free to think, worship, and learn. William Jennings Bryan, three-time Democratic nominee for president, argued for the prosecution that evolution undermined the fundamental, literal truth of the Bible and created a society without morals, meaning, and hope. In Keeping the Faith, Wineapple takes us into the early years of the twentieth century—years of racism, intolerance, and world war—to illuminate, through this pivotal legal showdown, a seismic period in American history.

At its heart, the Scopes trial dramatized conflicts over many of the fundamental values that define America, and that continue to divide Americans today.

In the crucible of a dramatic courtroom trial, the core principles of faith and democracy collide, sparking a national conversation that reverberates beyond the courtroom walls. In Keeping the Faith: God, Democracy, and the Trial That Riveted a Nation, readers are drawn into a narrative that examines the intricate balance between personal belief and public policy. As tensions rise and ideologies clash, the trial unfolds as not just a legal battle, but a profound dialogue on the very essence of democracy and divine faith.

The book explores the complex intersection of personal beliefs with democratic principles revealing resilience and faith. A gripping trial serves as the backdrop for a national debate on justice and religious freedom. Readers gain insights into the delicate balance of upholding faith while navigating the courtroom of democracy.

Amidst the gripping backdrop of a high-profile courtroom trial Keeping the Faith delves into the heart of the tension between spiritual conviction and legal frameworks. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of key figures embroiled in a case that challenges the very foundation of their beliefs. As the trial progresses it becomes increasingly clear that the stakes extend beyond legal outcomes touching upon the fundamental question of how deeply personal faith can coexist with a democratic society's demands.

The courtroom becomes a microcosm of broader societal challenges making the book an engrossing exploration of ideology. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling the author guides readers through each twist and turn of the legal battle bringing to life the personalities and philosophies at play. As the case reaches its climax readers are left to ponder the role of faith in public life and how democracy accommodates diverse beliefs.

This engaging narrative does not shy away from the complexities involved in balancing individual beliefs with the collective will of the people. By delving into the intricacies of the trial and its implications the book challenges readers to rethink the relationship between their spiritual convictions and civic responsibilities.

Providing a fresh perspective on a landmark trial the book uncovers its far-reaching implications for modern-day democracy Through its meticulous exploration it captures the essence of societal shifts An intricate portrait of individuals at the center of the trial offers a human dimension to the unfolding drama drawing readers into the deeply personal stakes embedded within the legal proceedings With its engaging style the narrative bridges historical and contemporary issues of faith and governance inviting readers to question established norms This ensures its resonance long after the last page is turned.