“The more clearly we can focus our attention on the wonders and realities of the universe about us, the less taste we shall have for destruction.” Silent Spring is a pivotal book, which brought environmental concerns to the attention of the American people. Through a combination of ‘scientific knowledge and poetic writing’, marine biologist, Rachel Carson (1907 – 1964), reached a broad audience and helped to inspire a grassroots environmental movement.   In Silent Spring, Carson documents the adverse effects on the environment of the indiscriminate use of pesticides. She accuses the chemical industry of spreading disinformation, and criticises public officials for their unquestioning acceptance the industry's marketing claims. Although Silent Spring was met with fierce opposition by chemical companies, it spurred a reversal in national pesticide policy, and led to a nationwide ban on DDT and other pesticides.    David Attenborough has stated that Silent Spring was probably the book that had changed the scientific world the most, after the Origin of Species by Charles Darwin. Published by Houghton Mifflin Co., Boston, MA (1962) This is a second printing of the first edition of Carson's landmark work. Good condition. Binding intact. The dust jacket is frayed at the edges. Attached to the fly leaf of the book are two press cuttings which carry reviews of the book.  One is from The Richmond News Leader dated 1st November 1962.  The Richmond News Leader was an afternoon daily newspaper published in Richmond, Virginia from 1888 to 1992.