What A Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of Silent Spring (Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book) [Hardcover]

Priscilla Coit Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Series: Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book | Publication Date: May 30, 2005

In 1962 the publication of Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" sparked widespread public debate on the issue of pesticide abuse and environmental degradation. The discussion permeated the entire print and electronic media system of mid-twentieth century America. Although Carson's text was serialized in the "New Yorker," it made a significant difference that it was also published as a book. With clarity and precision, Priscilla Coit Murphy explores the importance of the book form for the author, her editors and publishers, her detractors, the media, and the public at large.

Murphy reviews the publishing history of the Houghton Mifflin edition and the prior New Yorker serialization, describing Carson's approach to her project as well as the views and expectations of her editors. She also documents the response of opponents to Carson's message, notably the powerful chemical industry, including efforts to undermine, delay, or stop publication altogether.

Murphy then investigates the media's role, showing that it went well beyond providing a forum for debate. In addition, she analyzes the perceptions and expectations of the public at large regarding the book, the debate, and the media. By probing all of these perspectives, Murphy sheds new light on the dynamic between newsmaking books, the media, and the public. In the process, she addresses a host of broader questions about the place of books in American culture, past, present, and future.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"The book's tightly argued thesis and almost forensic attention to detail make it a useful addition to the now considerable literature around 'Silent Spring,' and of general interest to environmental historians, communication scholars, and book and media historians alike." -- American Journalism, Winter 2006

"Priscilla Coit Murphy's study is a 'biography of a book' that is one of the classics of environment writing in American history." -- American Historical Review, December 2006

A highly readable and often illuminating history of the writing and aftermath of Rachel Carson's masterpiece. -- Orion, September/October 2005

The author is to be commended for producing such a thoroughly readable, enjoyable and scholarly work. -- The Rachel Carson Council, 2006

This book would make for an ideal reading choice for any public relations case study or basic reporting class. -- Carolina Communicator, Fall 2005

From the Publisher

A volume in the series Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 254 pages
• Publisher: Univ of Massachusetts Pr (May 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558494766
• ISBN-13: 978-1558494763
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,494,682 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Analysis of What This Book Did, March 27, 2007

By 

John Matlock "Gunny" (Winnemucca, NV) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What A Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of Silent Spring (Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book) (Hardcover)

As the sub-title says, this book is primarily on the publication and reception of Silent Spring. It talks about the effort to get it published, the response of the pesticide industry, how the media handled it and so on. But there are a few points the author made that I think worth special mention.

One is the fact that now, 45 years after its publication, the book is still in print. This implies that there is still sufficient readership that the publisher finds it worth its while to keep ordering more when copies on hand run out.

Another is how could one distinguish a book like this which somehow generates such worldwide interest, in fact it could be argued that it created the environmental movement as we know it today with it's accompanying set of laws.

Finally just what is it that makes 'Silent Spring' so effective, while other books on equally important aspects of our future such as 'The Limits to Growth,' or books on Hubbard's Peak (of oil production) be so generally ignored. Was it the writing style? The media attention?

Ms. Murphy has done a fascinating job of looking at 'Silent Spring.' I think she has just scratched the surface about 'What a Book Can Do.' I hope she continues her research in this area.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Scholarly Page-Turner, October 26, 2006

By 

Teresa Healy (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: What A Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of Silent Spring (Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book) (Hardcover)

Many readers might never pick up this book unless a Media or Environmental Studies professor placed it on the Required Reading List. In libraries, it probably hides behind a multi-digit call number. But lucky students! To find such an oasis in the academic desert! As far as I can tell, "What a Book Can Do" is THE thorough, scholarly, insightful study of the astonishing impact "Silent Spring" produced on our consciousness and our culture. But more than that: the stories behind the stories behind the stories, concerning not just Rachel Carson but also all the other parties affected by her work, are truly fascinating. "What a Book Can Do" is a real page-turner. Read it.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exceptional history which is strongly recommended for any reader of Silent Spring, October 7, 2005

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: What A Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of Silent Spring (Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book) (Hardcover)

In 1962 the appearance of naturalist Rachel Carson's Silent Spring not only sparked debate on pesticide and ecology issues; it helped change the nature and effectiveness of preservation efforts around the world. It first appeared as a magazine serialization, but its book version really reached out to larger audiences. Priscilla Coit Murphy's What A Book Can Do: The Publication And Reception Of Silent Spring isn't just another analysis of the book itself: it's a review of the publishing history of the Houghton Mifflion edition and the prior New Yorker serialization, incorporating the views of her editors as well as Carson herself - and her opponents. An exceptional history which is strongly recommended for any reader of Silent Spring.