Thursday, Sept. 28

     What are the statistics now? 45 % of the French believe the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon was a hoax? Some people outslide the Beltway still think we invaded the right country when we stormed into Iraq? Half of us disbelieve the theory of evolution? We're guessing at some of these, but it's a mad, mad, mad world out there. Novelist John Darnton bases his historical novel, "The Darwin Conspiracy,'' on the wars between religion and science fought in the 19th century - wars that have not exactly abated. There are two paths here: One is based upon a sea voyage Darwin embarked upon as a young man. He discovered a few unpleasantries when it comes to discipline on the nigh seas. The other plot concerns modern-day Darwin scholars who discover (ficitonal) diaries of Darwin's daughter. Darnton discusses his work, and the role of the historical novel, at the Old South Meeting House Sept. 28 at 6:30 p.m. discussing his work, part of the Ford Hall Forum. Free.

310 Washington St., Boston, 617-373-5800  fordhallforum.org