Tucson Festival of Books

Edward J. Larson



Cronhall Photography

Edward J. Larson is the recipient of the 1998 Pulitzer Prize in History for his book "Summer for the Gods." Some of his other books include "Evolution: The Remarkable History of a Scientific Theory," and "Trial and Error: The American Controversy Over Creation and Evolution." His articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Nature, Scientific American, The Nation, and Virginia Law Review. He is a professor of history and law at Pepperdine University.

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Awards: Pulitzer Prize


Scheduled events:
America 250: Revolutionary Thinking
What ideas in 1776 led Americans to pursue independence? How did everyday people help Paul Revere turn ideas into action? How do those lessons translate to current times? Three authors will ground us in history and help us navigate today’s uncertainty in the pursuit of a more perfect union.

Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sat, Mar 14, 2:30 pm - 3:25 pm
Multigenre
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Kostya Kennedy, Edward Larson, Jonathan Turley
Moderator: Amanda Becker
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Beach Fleischman, Cushman and Wakefield | PICOR
America 250: Past, Present and Future
How do the echoes of the “times that try men’s souls” in 1776 ring today? What can one whistleblower’s journey through justice tell us about the judicial branch? And will understanding the forces shaping election financing and the marketplace of ideas help us move closer to a more perfect union?

Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sun, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:25 pm
Multigenre
Signing area: UA Campus Store Book Sales (Mall) (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Edward Larson, Jacob Silverman, Reality Winner
Moderator: David Daley
Sponsors: Session made possible courtesy of Beach Fleischman, Michael and Wendy Jacobson

Books:
Declaring Independence
Why 1776 Matters
History / Biography
W. W. Norton, Incorporated
November 2025
ISBN 9781324078975
240 pages
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Summer for the Gods
The Scopes Trial and America's Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion
History / Biography
Basic Books
June 2020
ISBN 9781541646032
352 pages
Buy now