The Lysenko Affair

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.

In this well researched study, David Joravsky examines the factors in Soviet agriculture, natural science, ideology, and political power that made Lysenko's reign possible and that finally brought it to an end.

"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

David Joravsky is Professor Emeritus of History at Northwestern.

With full table of contents