Monkey Trial 2000

This is a novel that explores in depth a third alternative to Creationismor Darwinian Evolutionin explaining the origin of the human race on planet earth. The hero, John Willoughby, an anthropologist, is the author of a book entitled, The Human Enigma, in which he argues that no theory for human origin is sacrosanct, unassailable or written in stone, and that every person is free to choose any theory best suited to their temperament. John knew that his colleagues were well aware that Richard Leaky had admitted, on behalf of his profession, that "the important issue of human origins remain unresolved, the fossil record is scrappy and incomplete, and all we possess is a meagre fragmented array of single teeth and bones and portions of skulls," and, "that the study of human DNA and blood groups shows no connection with the ancient apes." This opens the opportunity for John Willoughby to develop his own theory linking human origins with external sources from outside planet earth. In conjunction with his friend, David Villiers, a TV producer and barrister, a television programme is presented in which the conflicting or possibly complementary theories, are aired to millions of viewers. The novel then records the unexpected public response, before drawing to a hopeful and happy conclusion.