The Lysenko Affair

by David Joravsky

Overview

The Lysenko affair was perhaps the most bizarre chapter in the history of modern science. For thirty years, until 1965, Soviet genetics was dominated by a fanatical agronomist who achieved dictatorial power over genetics and plant science as well as agronomy.

"A standard source both for Soviet specialists and for sociologists of science."—American Journal of Sociology

"Joravsky has produced . . . the most detailed and authoritative treatment of Lysenko and his view on genetics."—New York Times Book Review

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780226410319
Publisher:	University of Chicago Press
Publication date:	08/15/1986
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	474
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 1.10(d)

About the Author

David Joravsky is professor of history at Northwestern University.

Table of Contents

Preface
1. Soviet Ideology as a Problem
2. A Crisis of Faith in Science
3. Harmless Cranks
Michurin
Lysenko and Other Peasant Scientists
4. Raising Stalin's Hand
The First Clashes
Systematic Conflict
5. Stalinist Self-Defeat, 1936-1950
"Discussion"
Terror
The Final "Discussion"
6. Self-Conquest, 1950-1965
Under Stalin
Under Khrushchev
Against Khrushchev
7. Academic Issues: Science
Plant Physiology
Genetics
The Autonomy of Scientists
8. Academic Issues: Marxism
Philosophy
The Human Animal
9. The Criterion of Practice
Potatoes
Corn
Land
10. Ideologies and Realities
Appendix A. Repressed Specialists
Appendix B. For the Kremlinologists
Bibliography
Notes
Index