Shaking the Foundation: Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

"I cannot think that the world, as we see it, is the result of chance; & yet I cannot look at each separate thing as the result of design." English naturalist Charles Darwin wrote this in 1860, a year after publishing his theory of evolution. His words show the personal struggle of a man forced by his own observations to answer the fundamental question—Where do we come from?—in a revolutionary new way. Darwin's internal battle reflects a broader public struggle—the attempt to reconcile scientific fact with religious faith. Shaking the Foundation: Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution follows this battle, from the supporting theories of fellow scientists, to the opposing voices of clergymen, to twenty-first-century supporters of Intelligent Design. Through quotations from letters and other contemporary sources, you'll meet the personalities and ideas involved in the debate. You'll also examine some of the legal cases that brought evolution into the U.S. courtroom. These cases include the famous Scopes trial in 1925 and the Kitzmiller v. Dover Area School District case in 2005, which tested a school policy requiring the teaching of Intelligent Design. Through these and other debates, you'll learn more about the struggle over one of life's most profound questions.

Review :
"Johnson provides a balanced and well-researched book on a complex and controversial subject." —Library Media Connection "This is a clear, forthright look at the startling conclusions drawn from a scientist's research and the enormous ramifications of his conclusions. Well done, and well worth reading." —School Library Journal "In a perfectly outlined text complete with historical facts, pictures, and informative sidebars, Darwin's theory from its conception to its promotion are explored....This is a must-have in any library collection as its educational value cannot be denied. It is sure to provide an evolution in one's own thinking regarding science and history, as well as encourage an appreciation and understanding for progressive thinkers such as Charles Darwin." —VOYA "This book presents Darwin in the context of a scientific community and successfully clarifies his personal impact on a variety of philosophies and controversies now synonymous with his name." —Booklist "Many important and fascinating primary source photos, illustrations, and diagrams, as well as interesting sidebars, add to the accessible and well-written text. In eight chapters, Johnson presents the information in a factual, informative style." —BayViews "A concise, informative overview of how Darwin's theories of natural selection and evolution shook the foundations of religious beliefs and long-held scientific views....A finely crafted introduction to Darwin's theories and the controversies they spawned." —Kirkus Reviews