Skip to content

Silent Spring
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring Mass market paperbound - 1977

by Carson; 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 line

THERE WAS ONCE a town in the heart of America where all life seemed to live in harmony with its surroundings.

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 Carson; Rachel Carson
  • Binding Mass Market Paperbound
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher Fawcett Books, New York, New York
  • Date February 12, 1977
  • ISBN 9780449231258 / 0449231259
  • Weight 0.41 lbs (0.19 kg)
Back to Top

More Copies for Sale

Silent Spring
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring

by Carson, Rachel

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449231258
ISBN 10
0449231259
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
$7.72
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Fawcett, 1977-02-12. Mass Market Paperback. Acceptable. 6x4x0.
Item Price
$7.72
FREE shipping to USA
Silent Spring

Silent Spring

by Rachel Carson

  • Used
  • Acceptable
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Acceptable
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449231258
ISBN 10
0449231259
Quantity Available
3
Seller
Seattle, Washington, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 4 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$8.16
FREE shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Random House Publishing Group, 1977. Mass Market Paperback. Acceptable. Readable copy. Pages may have considerable notes/highlighting. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less.Dust jacket quality is not guaranteed.
Item Price
$8.16
FREE shipping to USA
Silent Spring Carson, Rachel
Stock Photo: Cover May Be Different

Silent Spring Carson, Rachel

  • Used
  • fair
  • Paperback
Condition
Used - Fair
Binding
Paperback
ISBN 13
9780449231258
ISBN 10
0449231259
Quantity Available
1
Seller
Colorado Springs, Colorado, United States
Seller rating:
This seller has earned a 5 of 5 Stars rating from Biblio customers.
Item Price
$11.68
$3.00 shipping to USA

Show Details

Description:
Paperback cover has some wear and tear. The back cover has a crease. Pages are clean and the binding is secure.. Soft cover. Fair.
Item Price
$11.68
$3.00 shipping to USA