Description

‘Our origins are of the earth. And so there is in us a deeply seated response to the natural universe, which is part of our humanity.’

Rachel Carson was one of the most important environmental thinkers and writers of the twentieth century. This collection brings together previously unpublished work, essays, field journals, speeches, articles and letters to create a biography of Carson’s thought: a deeply personal picture of her evolution as an environmentalist and activist.

Lost Woods reveals a profound insight into the fragility of the natural world and our impact on it, and the birth of Carson’s lifelong campaign to bring international attention to the monumental challenges facing us. That we are finally becoming aware of the environmental emergency is thanks in no small part to her.

Publisher Review

Lyric, descriptive, informative and moving * * New York Times * * [Lost Woods] gives a new generation an opportunity to rediscover the legendary biologist and ecologist . . . These writings - essays, letters, magazine pieces, speeches - show us the evolution of a decent woman from scholar to warrior for all that's right * * Washington Post * * This wonderful new book allows us to discover and learn anew from the scientist who taught ecology to the world * * San Francisco Examiner and Chronicle * * Praise for the Sea trilogy: The timely reissue of a classic maritime trilogy shows that the "poet of the oceans" was far ahead of her time . . . What's striking is that Carson is a keen observer of the interconnectedness of things . . . Her sea series is not only fascinating for those with an interest in the prehistory of Silent Spring. There is much to marvel at in these pages * * Herald * * Rachel Carson was one of the reasons why I became so conscious of the environment and so involved with environmental issues . . . Her picture hangs on my office wall among those of political leaders, presidents and prime ministers. It has been there for years, and it belongs there. Carson has had as much or more an effect on me than any of them, and perhaps all of them together -- AL GORE This combination of science and scintillating prose provides fascinating insights into the mysteries of the tides . . . a masterpiece of ecological writing * * Guardian * * Rereading her natural histories, what stands out is how beautiful the writing is. Carson combined a scientist's ability to see with a novelist's ability to imagine * * New Yorker * * [Carson] is the poet laureate of the sea, but also of that "web of life", in which everything is connected to everything else * * London Review of Books * * Praise for Silent Spring: Brilliantly written: clear, controlled and authoritative . . . one of the most effective books ever written . . . the impact is, in all senses, stunning * * Guardian * * Much of what Carson wrote to great controversy is now conventional wisdom. To read Silent Spring now is in part to understand how we got to where we are * * Wall Street Journal * *