Silent Spring

From the final decades of the eighteenth century to the present day, a relatively few social and political documents have been written and circulated, then have gone on to change the course of human history. The Manifesto Series surveys some of those documents, presents an account of each manifesto�s immediate impact, then explains how and why its influence spread to a wider audience. Brief and concisely written, each title in this series makes engrossing reading and provides readers with insights into the dynamics of modern history. Each title in this series is enhanced with approximately 70 color illustrations. Lengthy excerpts from Rachel Carson�s compelling Silent Spring are presented in this book, with extensive commentary and analysis. Carson�s book, published in the 1960s, exposed the hazards inflicted on the earth�s environment by powerful industrial concerns. Her book focused especially on the harmful effects of DDT, while on a broader level it also questioned the domination of our culture by modern technology. Silent Spring thus became a springboard for a multitude of environmental movements and reforms which, to the present day, influence all of our lives for the better.

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Books in the Manifesto series clearly and succinctly explain the background to documents that have changed global history. Each title looks at the context in which a manifesto was produced and presents either the full text or significant excerpts. The document’s immediate impact is assessed, with explanation of how and why its influence spread to a wider audience. Short and to the point, the books in this series make engrossing reading and give readers insights into the dynamics of modern history.



In a post-World War II world of scientific efficiency and technological progress, there was little public concern about the way agricultural technology was affecting people and the Earth. Then, in 1962, Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring exposed the dangers of DDT and other pesticides. Her book became a bestseller and stimulated widespread public debate. The controversy inaugurated five government inquiries, launched the Environmental Protection Agency, and led to the banning of DDT and several other pesticides. Her book also increased public awareness of environmental issues, heralding an entirely new public awareness of ecological problems in the United States and around the world. Manifesto: Words That Changed the World contains extensive quotes from Silent Spring. Commentary by Alex MacGillivray examines its historical context and worldwide repercussions.



Titles in this series:


Civil Disobedience


The Communist Manifesto


The Declaration of Independence


Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring