Trained as a marine biologist but born writer, Rachel Carson in "Silent Spring" describes the disastrous effects on the balance of nature caused by the irresponsible use of insecticides and other pest controls. It happens in a mythical town where suddenly all the sounds were gone.
Vividly criticised by the pesticide industry as well as by some reputable scientists, Miss Carson is just pressing for a thoroughgoing research programme to enable men to learn to use pesticides safely and effectively and to reduce their use to a minimum.
Most of all, Miss Carson does an excellent job of introducing readers to the concept that the natural world is an intimatly interconnected web. And what kills insects will, if not handled carefully, one day kill us too.
In fact, no one has written so forcelly against environment destruction. Poetic writting, a book of extraodinary beauty with passages of lyrical brilliance and always acessible prose.
Everyone who cares about the future and wants to be up-to-date on the latest reading matters should read it!
