Silent Spring Revisited

Rachel Carson's Silent Spring in 1962 sparked the modern-day environmental movement, highlighting the prospect of life without birdsong. Conor Mark Jameson reflects on the growth of environmentalism since then, tracing milestone events in conservation, popular culture, and political history in the British Isles and beyond. He seeks to answer the question: what happened to the birds and birdsong and why does it matter?

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 05 April 2019
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

American scientist and author Rachel Carson is widely credited with igniting the modern-day environmental movement with the publication of her seminal work, Silent Spring, in 1962. Through her powerful writing, Carson vividly portrayed the devastating consequences of environmental pollution and the loss of biodiversity. Her warning about the harmful effects of pesticides and other chemicals on ecosystems and human health resonated with readers worldwide, sparking a widespread awareness and concern about the state of the environment.

Fifty years after the publication of Silent Spring, Conor Mark Jameson reflects on the growth of environmentalism since that pivotal moment. In his engaging and insightful book, he traces the milestones in conservation, popular culture, and political history in the British Isles and beyond, charting a path through the half-century since the publication of 1962.

Through his personal observations and touching personal experiences, Jameson seeks to answer the question that has remained central to the environmental movement: what happened to the birds, and birdsong, and why does it matter? He explores the decline of bird populations, the loss of habitats, and the impact of human activities on the natural world. He also examines the role of individuals, communities, and governments in addressing these challenges and promoting environmental sustainability.

Jameson's book is a testament to the enduring legacy of Rachel Carson's work and the power of storytelling to inspire change. It serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting our planet and its fragile ecosystems for future generations. It also highlights the ongoing struggle to balance human needs with the conservation of nature and the preservation of the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

In conclusion, Rachel Carson's Silent Spring remains a landmark publication that has shaped the environmental movement and raised awareness about the critical importance of protecting our planet. Conor Mark Jameson's book provides a valuable perspective on the growth of environmentalism since that pivotal moment, highlighting the successes and challenges faced in the fight for a sustainable future.

Weight: 230g
Dimension: 194 x 132 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472970589