Courage for the Earth: Writers, Scientists, and Activists Celebrate the Life and Writing ofRachel Carson [Paperback]

Peter Matthiessen (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Rachel Carson is remembered as a hero for raising the alarm over ocean pollution and pesticides, and she is cherished for the sheer beauty of her writing. In introducing this thoughtful tribute to Carson marking the centennial of her birth, Matthiessen writes with stirring insight into Carson's spirit and achievements, setting the tone for the dozen affecting essays that follow. Biographer Linda Lear attests to Carson's "literary genius" and profound sense of responsibility. John Elder delves into Carson's poetic language. Al Gore writes with particular empathy about the vicious attacks Carson endured when Silent Spring was published, in 1962, a work that elegantly yet ferociously questions business as usual in light of environmental concerns. Edward O. Wilson calls Carson "valiant," and Terry Tempest Williams praises Carson's "moral courage." Brought down at 56 by cancer linked to the pollution she decried, Carson wrote exactingly, rhapsodically, and presciently: "It is one of the ironies of our time that, while concentrating on the defense of our country against enemies from without, we should be so heedless of those who would destroy it from within." Donna Seaman
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Review

Rachel Carson is remembered as a hero for raising the alarm over ocean pollution and pesticides, and she is cherished for the sheer beauty of her writing. In introducing this thoughtful tribute to Carson marking the centennial of her birth, Matthiessen writes with stirring insight into Carson's spirit and achievements, setting the tone for the dozen affecting essays that follow. Biographer Linda Lear attests to Carson's "literary genius" and profound sense of responsibility. John Elder delves into Carson's poetic language. Al Gore writes with particular empathy about the vicious attacks Carson endured when Silent Spring was published, in 1962, a work that elegantly yet ferociously questions business as usual in light of environmental concerns. Edward O. Wilson calls Carson "valiant," and Terry Tempest Williams praises Carson's "moral courage." Brought down at 56 by cancer linked to the pollution she decried, Carson wrote exactingly, rhapsodically, and presciently: "It is one of the ironies of our time that, while concentrating on the defense of our country against enemies from without, we should be so heedless of those who would destroy it from within." (Booklist -Donna Seaman )

This year marks the birth centennial of Rachel Carson-scientist, writer, and one of the most influential individuals of the 20th century. Her major books Under the Sea-Wind, The Sea Around Us, and The Edge of the Sealed directly to public awareness of ecology and the interconnectedness of the natural world. Her Silent Spring(1962) sparked the movement to ban DDT and stop indiscriminate pesticide spraying in the United States. Even Carson's tragic death from cancer at 57 had an impact, leading to the successful, continuing campaign for breast cancer research and treatment. In a salute to this remarkable woman, writer Matthiessen (Tigers in the Snow) has gathered well-written essays by 11 contributors (e.g., Carson biographer Linda Lear, biologist Edward O. Wilson, Vice President Al Gore, nature writer Terry Tempest Williams) relating how their lives, careers, and the world have been changed by Carson's life and writings. The authors' biosketches provide suggestions for further reading. Recommended for all libraries, to be shelved right next to Carson's own books and also used as a focus for programs honoring her memory and legacy (Library Journal -Margaret Rioux )

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Mariner Books; None edition (April 22, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0618872760
• ISBN-13: 978-0618872763
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #153,771 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)