CARSON, Rachel (1907–1964)

First edition, first printing, of this famous book which launched the modern conservationist movement, and was a wake-up call that brought the irresponsible use of toxic chemicals to public attention. Already known for two other books, Silent Spring was Carson’s most influential work, resulting in a special federal panel to study the effects of pesticides on the environment and then in legislation banning DDT. More broadly, the book helped establish a new movement to protect the environment from the desctructive effects of modern industrial society. Despite the efforts of the American agricultural chemical industry to suppress the publication of Silent Spring in 1962 by telling their own story about the credibility of Rachel Carsons’s evidence, the book sold over 500.000 copies in hardback and millions in paperback, and was translated into many languages. It is one of the most famous books of the second half of the 20th century.

Collation: Pp (16), 368. With illustrations in the text.

Binding: Publisher’s green cloth, gilt lettering on spine and front cover. Printed dust jacket with minor chipping at extremities.