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Silent Spring
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring Mass market paperbound - 1985

by Rachel Carson


About this book

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.

First Edition Identification

The first edition of Silent Spring was published in 1962 by Houghton Mifflin Co. The book has a green dust jacket with a $5.00 price stamp, green boards, and 'First Printing' on the copyright page. A Book of the Month Club issued in 1962 looks similar but does not have printings on the copyright page, and the dust jacket bears Book of the Month Club instead of price point.


Details

  • Title Silent Spring
  • Author Rachel Carson
  • Binding Mass Market Paperbound
  • Edition Tenth Printing
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Fawcett Books
  • Date 1985-07
  • ISBN 9780449209387 / 0449209385
  • Weight 0.36 lbs (0.16 kg)
  • Library of Congress Catalog Number 00000000
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Silent Spring
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring

by Carson, Rachel

  • Used
  • very good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Very Good
Edition
3d Ptg.
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449209387
ISBN 10
0449209385
Quantity Available
1
Seller
New Port Richey, Florida, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$15.54
A$7.77 shipping to USA

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Description:
Fawcett Crest, 1985. 3d Ptg. . Mass Market Paperback. Very Good. Introduction by U.S. Supreme Court Justice and Environmentalist William O. Douglas.Mass-market paperback, glossy white wrappers with black illustrtation of wild plant on front and back wrapper, exterior edges yellow color, a micronick at top front edge. Wrappers are lightly browned overall. Very Good.
Item Price
A$15.54
A$7.77 shipping to USA
Silent Spring
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring

by Rachel Carson

  • Used
  • Paperback
Condition
Used: Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449209387
ISBN 10
0449209385
Quantity Available
1
Seller
HOUSTON, Texas, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$27.97
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Fawcett, 1985-07-12. Mass Market Paperback. Used: Good.
Item Price
A$27.97
FREE shipping to USA
Silent Spring

Silent Spring

by Carson, Rachel

  • Used
  • good
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Good
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449209387
ISBN 10
0449209385
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
A$66.98
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Fawcett Books, 1985. Mass Market Paperback. Good. Pages can have notes/highlighting. Spine may show signs of wear. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
A$66.98
FREE shipping to USA