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MTSU’s Summer Reading Program

Author Biography


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Edward J. Larson is the author of seven books and the recipient of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in History for his book Summer for the Gods: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion. He was born in Mansfield, Ohio and received a his post-secondary education from Harvard University, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Williams College. His other books include Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory; Evolution’s Workshop; God and Science on the Galapagos Islands; and Trial and Error: The American Controversy Over Creation and Evolution. Larson has also written over one hundred articles, most of which address topics of law, science, or politics from an historical perspective, which have appeared in such varied journals as The Atlantic, Nature, Scientific American, The Nation, The Wilson Quarterly, and Virginia Law Review. He is a professor of history and law at Pepperdine University and lives in Georgia and California.

Welcome Weekend Schedule of Events

The Distinguished Lecture Committee has invited Edward Larson to address our students as our 25th Summer Reading keynote speaker. This event kicks off the new school year and all MTSU students, parents, alumni, faculty and staff are invited to attend.

Saturday, August 22, 2026
Murphy Center, 4pm

Meet the author for a book signing at the President’s Party on the Knoll.

Friday, August 21, 2026
KUC Knoll, 5:00pm-7:30pm