Silent Spring
by Carson, Rachel
- Used
- Hardcover
- first
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Stow, Ohio, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
London: The Folio Society, 2000. Hardcover. Introduction by Peter Matthiessen. Illustrations by Jonathan Hitchen. Originally published in the United States in 1962 by Houghton Mifflin. First printing thus. 317 pp. Index. Fine book (no markings) in Fine slipcase / No dust jacket as issued. A clean, fresh copy.
Synopsis
Silent Spring is a groundbreaking environmental science book by Rachel Carson that brought environmental concerns to the general population. It was published in 1962, a decade after Carson won the National Book Award for her best-selling book The Sea Around Us (1951). When Silent Spring was published, Rachel Carson was already a well-known writer on natural history but had not previously been a social critic. Silent Spring served as a catalyst for the modern environmental movement, shedding light on the detrimental effects of indiscriminate pesticide use on ecosystems and human health. Examining the widespread use of synthetic pesticides, particularly DDT, and their unintended consequences on wildlife and the environment, Carson exposes how pesticides harm beneficial insects, birds, and aquatic life. Silent Spring argues that these chemicals accumulate in the food chain, posing serious risks to human beings. Upon its release, Silent Spring sparked both praise and controversy. The book's publication history reflects this dynamic reception. The first edition was published by Houghton Mifflin Company in 1962, with illustrations by Louis and Lois Darling. The initial print run of 50,000 copies sold out quickly, indicating the significant public interest in the subject matter. The book's first edition has a few notable points. The cover of the first edition features a striking illustration of a forest with silhouetted birds created by Paul Bacon. The book consists of 17 chapters and ends with a chapter titled "The Other Road," which suggests alternative methods of pest control that are less harmful to the environment. Despite initial criticism from the chemical industry and agricultural interests, Silent Spring garnered widespread acclaim for its scientific rigor and persuasive arguments. It raised awareness about the need for environmental protection and led to increased scrutiny of pesticide use. The book ultimately influenced policy changes, such as the banning of DDT in the United States and the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1970. Rachel Carson's Silent Spring remains a seminal work in environmental literature, inspiring generations of activists, scientists, and policymakers to address the ecological challenges facing our planet. Its enduring impact continues to shape environmental discourse and conservation efforts worldwide.
Read More: Identifying first editions of Silent Spring
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Details
- Bookseller
- Buckeye Bookshop Online
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 11748
- Title
- Silent Spring
- Author
- Carson, Rachel
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Publisher
- The Folio Society
- Place of Publication
- London
- Date Published
- 2000
- Keywords
- Environment / Nature / Ecology
Terms of Sale
Buckeye Bookshop Online
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged.
About the Seller
Buckeye Bookshop Online
Biblio member since 2009
Stow, Ohio
About Buckeye Bookshop Online
Buckeye Bookshop's owners retired on December 28, 2019, and closed the retail shop on Brittain Rd. in Akron, Ohio.We continue to sell books online via Biblio and a few other venues. We currently have about 4,600 books listed online.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Folio
- A folio usually indicates a large book size of 15" in height or larger when used in the context of a book description. Further,...
- Jacket
- Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
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