Silent Spring
by Rachel Carson
- Used
- very good
- Hardcover
- Condition
- Very Good/Very Good-
- Seller
-
Uncasville, Connecticut, United States
Payment Methods Accepted
About This Item
first book club edition (1962 on title and copyright pages) hardcover in dust jacket; no prior owner marks; minimal age tone; tight bind; clean cloth cover, bright gilt titling; dj has thin prior damp top back panel and edge wear (rubbing, short tears and rubbing at spine ends); photos upon request B31
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
Reviews
(Log in or Create an Account first!)
Details
- Seller
- DrPanglossBooks
(US)
- Seller's Inventory #
- 12467
- Title
- Silent Spring
- Author
- Rachel Carson
- Format/Binding
- Hardcover
- Book Condition
- Used - Very Good
- Jacket Condition
- Very Good-
- Quantity Available
- 1
- Edition
- book club
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin
- Date Published
- 1962
- Weight
- 0.00 lbs
Terms of Sale
DrPanglossBooks
30 day return guarantee, with full refund including shipping costs for up to 30 days after delivery if an item arrives misdescribed or damaged. Prospective buyers whose addresses lie outside the United States should inquire about postage charges, as those posted are inaccurate. All books priced at 40 USD and higher require Priority International Mail service. Sorry, no exceptions, as too many problems have arisen using first class international postage.
About the Seller
DrPanglossBooks
Biblio member since 2008
Uncasville, Connecticut
About DrPanglossBooks
Used books: many out of print, some scarce, some collectible, most deserving more than passing interest.
Glossary
Some terminology that may be used in this description includes:
- Tight
- Used to mean that the binding of a book has not been overly loosened by frequent use.
- 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...
- Book Club Edition
- A generic term denoting a book which was produced or distributed by one of any number of book club organizations. Usually the...
- Rubbing
- Abrasion or wear to the surface. Usually used in reference to a book's boards or dust-jacket.
- 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....
Collecting proofs, galleys, and advance reviews
Devoted collectors of rare books will love finding proofs, galleys, and advance review copies of their favorite pieces of literature. Find rare proofs and advance reading copies in the Rare Book Room.
Collectible Christmas Cards
Many of us love giving and receiving holiday cards - but did you know many of them are highly collectible? Whether signed by famous authors or just beautiful to look at, these collectible Christmas cards are sure to put a twinkle in your eye.
