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Silent Spring
by Carson, Rachel
- Used
- Good
- Paperback
- Condition
- Good
- Seller
-
London, Greater London, United Kingdom
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
Harmondsworth, Middx: Penguin Books Ltd 1971. 12mo. 317 pp. Paperback. Fading and creasing to spine, with minor rubbing to covers. Internally clean. Introduction by Lord Shackleton and a preface by Julian Huxley. Carson's great challenging work on insecticides and environmental protection. . Good. Paperback. Reprint. 1971.
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
- Foster Books - Stephen Foster, ABA, ILAB, PBFA
(GB)
- Bookseller's Inventory #
- 71629
- Title
- Silent Spring
- Author
- Carson, Rachel
- Format/Binding
- Paperback
- Book Condition
- Used - Good
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- Reprint
- Publisher
- Penguin Books Ltd 1971
- Place of Publication
- Harmondsworth, Middx
- Date Published
- 1971
- Size
- 12mo.
- Keywords
- Environmentalism,Ecology,Wildlife
- Bookseller catalogs
- Science and Medicine;
Terms of Sale
Foster Books - Stephen Foster, ABA, ILAB, PBFA
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Prices are in sterling, and are subject to availability. We can accept bank transfers in Sterling, Euros, US and AUS dollars. We ship priority shipping as standard, and pack our books well. Courier services available. We are also able to offer same day delivery within London postcodes for some orders - ask for a quote. Valuable items will be sent via registered airmail or one of the courier services. Large orders can be sent via consolidation, which reduces the cost per book. In the unlikely event of an incorrect description, a full refund will be provided, but please e-mail/telephone first, and within seven days of receipt of the book. We are happy to comply to the EU's rules on distance selling. All books are published in London and 8vo unless stated, and remain my property until paid for in full. The shop is open Monday to Saturday 10.30am to 5.30pm and Sunday 11am to 5pm. If you find yourself in West London, do come along and browse.
About the Seller
Foster Books - Stephen Foster, ABA, ILAB, PBFA
Biblio member since 2005
London, Greater London
About Foster Books - Stephen Foster, ABA, ILAB, PBFA
We process internet and mail orders swiftly and have daily collections. Within the UK we ship via Royal Mail and UPS. For the US we use USPS tracked services and Fedex. For the rest of the World we mostly use Royal Mail Tracked, as well as Parcelforce and DPD. European deliveries we use Royal Mail Tracked or brokers for all else.
We have an open bookshop in London which is open Monday to Saturday 10.30 to 17.30, and Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00, except Easter and Christmas.We are members of the ABA, ILAB, PBFA and ibooknet
We have an open bookshop in London which is open Monday to Saturday 10.30 to 17.30, and Sunday from 11.00 to 17.00, except Easter and Christmas.We are members of the ABA, ILAB, PBFA and ibooknet
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Rubbing
- Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.
- Reprint
- Any printing of a book which follows the original edition. By definition, a reprint is not a first edition.
- 12mo
- A duodecimo is a book approximately 7 by 4.5 inches in size, or similar in size to a contemporary mass market paperback. Also...
- 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....
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