Silent Spring
by CARSON, Rachel
- Used
- Condition
- See description
- Seller
-
Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1962. Second edition. Second edition. Near fine in a very good dust jacket. Green cloth book with gilt lettering. Some wear to the head and foot of the jacket spine and small stain on rear panel. Wear at the extremities. A landmark in environmental journalism. Based on a lengthy article in the New Yorker, this book told the story of how insecticides and pesticides were silently killing birds, insects and fish across America. Although the book was primarily concerned with the misuse of pesticides, it was the first work work to address the larger issues of environmental pollution. As one authority commented, "Although the book was primarily concerned with the misuse of pesticides, it was the first work work to address the larger issues of environmental pollution.
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
- Sawtooth Rare Books
(US)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 28242
- Title
- Silent Spring
- Author
- CARSON, Rachel
- Book Condition
- Used
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- Second edition
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin
- Place of Publication
- New York
- Date Published
- 1962
Terms of Sale
Sawtooth Rare Books
All books sold on an available basis. Any book is returnable within 30 days for any reason.
About the Seller
Sawtooth Rare Books
Biblio member since 2004
Santa Fe, New Mexico
About Sawtooth Rare Books
We are sellers of modern first editions, with an emphasis on modern fiction, poetry, Western American literature and signed books.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Gilt
- The decorative application of gold or gold coloring to a portion of a book on the spine, edges of the text block, or an inlay in...
- Cloth
- "Cloth-bound" generally refers to a hardcover book with cloth covering the outside of the book covers. The cloth is stretched...
- Fine
- A book in fine condition exhibits no flaws. A fine condition book closely approaches As New condition, but may lack the...
- Spine
- The outer portion of a book which covers the actual binding. The spine usually faces outward when a book is placed on a shelf....
- Jacket
- Sometimes used as another term for dust jacket, a protective and often decorative wrapper, usually made of paper which wraps...
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