The Creationists

A chronicle of the scientific creationism movement explains the beliefs of recent creationists--who believe that the earth's history is only ten thousand years old--and surveys the scientific and religious responses to evolutionary theory.

"A beautifully worked case study of the dynamics of people and the ideas that impel them. As an exposure of one of the most socially explosive and intellectually damaging movements of recent times, it is unquestionably a volume of major importance."--Roger Lewin, "Washington Post Book World

starting with the original response in 1859 to Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species" and ending with creationism's spread across the globe during the 1990s.

evolutionists and creationists. In fact, he was once recruited by both sides to serve as an expert witness in a Louisiana trial on evolution. (He went with the ACLU.)

A great reference work. -- Ian Hacking "The Nation" (10/08/2007)

A classic text, now updated and expanded to take into account the latest trends among anti-evolutionists, Numbers's carefully researched history is required reading to understand the current controversy.--Alan Cane"Financial Times" (12/09/2006)

This book is an intellectual history of religiously inspired anti-evolutionism, primarily in the US, since the latter 19th century. It is a meticulous work by a distinguished historian--with 431 pages of text, followed by 133 pages of detailed notes on sources. Some readers might find it heavy going, but Numbers writes in an engaging style and keeps the narrative moving briskly, writing about the human qualities as well as the theology of leading creationists.--Francis B. Harrold "Reports of the National Center for Science Education "

A great reference work.--Ian Hacking"The Nation" (10/08/2007)

Numbers tells the fascinating story of how Creationism has mutated, adapted, and evolved in a changing social and scientific environment. From the diverse range of Creationist ideas that competed with each other at the time of the Scopes Trial, to the creation of Scientific Creationism, to Intelligent Design theory, and then to the spread of Creationism from the United States to the rest of the world, the history is full of surprises, curiosities, and ironies. Those who wish to understand current opposition to Darwinism, and the larger question of how science and religion interact, must read this book.--Elliott Sober, Hans Reichenbach Professor of Philosophy, University of Wisconsin, Madison

Ronald Numbers's book, "The Creationists", is a modern classic. Deep sympathy combined with critical objectivity gives great insight into the thinking of those who reject evolution in favor of a narrow, literalist reading of Genesis. Now Numbers has updated his work, discussing the new approach of so-called Intelligent Design Theory and again showing how it is that so many continue to reject basic science. Ending with a frightening survey of the world-wide success of Creationism, this work is as important as it is a sheer delight to read.--Michael Ruse, Florida State University, author of "The Evolution-Creation Struggle"

Ronald Numbers's book, "The Creationists," is a modern classic. Deep sympathy combined with critical objectivity gives great insight into the thinking of those who reject evolution in favor of a narrow, literalist reading of Genesis. Now Numbers has updated his work, discussing the new approach of so-called Intelligent Design Theory and again showing how it is that so many continue to reject basic science. Ending with a frightening survey of the world-wide success of Creationism, this work is as important as it is a sheer delight to read.--Michael Ruse, Florida State University, author of "The Evolution-Creation Struggle"