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Silent Spring cover art

Silent Spring

By: Rachel Carson
Narrated by: Susie Berneis
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Summary

Conservationist Rachel Carson spent over six years documenting the effects on DDT, a synthetic organic compound used as an insecticide, on numerous communities. Her analysis revealed that such powerful, persistent chemical pesticides have been used without a full understanding of the extent of their potential harm to the whole biota, including the damage they've caused to wildlife, birds, bees, agricultural animals, domestic pets, and even humans. In this book, Carson discusses her findings and expresses passionate concern for the future of the planet and all the life inhabiting it, calling on us all to act responsibly, carefully, and as stewards of the living earth. Additionally, she suggests that all democracies and liberal societies must operate in a way that allows individuals and groups to question what their governments have permitted to be put into the environment. An instant best seller that was read by President Kennedy during the summer of 1962, this classic remains one of the best introductions to the complicated and controversial subject.

©1962, 2002 Rachel Carson (P)2018 Dreamscape Media, LLC

What listeners say about Silent Spring

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Must read for environmentalists or agriculturists

written in the early sixties and based on research from the 50s, it's now showing its age, however the concepts and issues are the same today as they were then, which is scarily shameful considering we should have had half a century to get it right.
the book is cited as the start of the environmentalist movement and the eye-opening awareness of the issues relating the chemical control of pests, whether plant or animal. a justifiable accolade, even if not quite accurate.
a must read for any new environmentalist or agriculturist.

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Finally read this book of our ages. prophetic

written the year before I was born and researched for many years before that, this marvel that motivated the environmental movement is still frighteningly relevant. in 2020, lessons not learnt remain to wreak mayhem.

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2 people found this helpful

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Shining light on chemical insights

Very to the point, well articulated and compelling with all the evidence Rachel had in the 50's/60's. Makes you question todays standards and agricultural mindsets. Without this book bringing light, the world would be a very different place.

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Still relevant

You have to listen to it set in its time but over 50 years on this is an important book. I had not realised the science and techniques available in the early 60s that are still critical today.

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Historical, cultural and scientific classic

A fascinating look at some biological and other perspectives at a crucial time in modern history. Includes much science, elegant writing and logical thinking which helped trigger an on-going fight against capitalist economic approaches to the maintenance of life. My only criticism would be that there is a fair amount of repitition and the narrator tends towards a seemingly forced tragic style which becomes tiresome and undermines the exceptionally researched science.

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compelling account brilliantly narrated

Fact...Scientific data about destruction of nature, trees, insects, birds, animals and humans through chemical poison in th e 20th century. still very relevant today. Told as a story, compelling narrative.

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Never to late to learn

Wish I had read this book 50 years ago, unfortunately since then not a lot has changed, a must read for anyone interested in our envy.

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