Since Silent Spring.

Since Silent Spring. by Graham, Frank. hardcover edition. ISBN: 9780395077535.

Rachel Carsons Silent Spring appeared in 1962 and was immediately recognized as one of those rare books which change the course of history. Its publication was greeted with a roar of protest -- and of approval. Alarmed manufacturers of pesticides first tried to prevent the books publication, then turned batteries of publicity agents to smearing book and author. Yet after seven years at the heart of controversy, Silent Spring stands vindicated, a prescient warning of things to come. In Since Silent Spring Frank Graham describes the background of a remarkable woman and scientist, the genesis of her book, and her reaction to the great controversy. He goes on to tell how the pesticide question stands today. He reports the mounting evidence, worldwide, that confirms the dangers Rachel Carson saw -- and the essential questions which still have not been studied. This is a guide for the embattled citizen. Agency by agency Mr. Graham outlines the contradictory policies of government. Here are the facts behind the Mississippi fish kills, the fire ant program, herbicides in Vietnam, aerial spraying, and the conflicting policies of the Department of Agriculture. Mr. Graham shows what the citizen can do now, today, to change the situation and reports the scientific advances (still pitifully few and ill-supported) which give promise of safer and more practical pest control.