Lost Woods

Description

'The subject of man's relationship to his environment is one that has been uppermost in my own thoughts for many years.' Rachel Carson's enduring fame was secured by the publication of just four books: her trilogy about the sea and Silent Spring. This collection of her previously unpublished and lesser-known writing gives a more personal picture of Carson's evolution as an environmental thinker. Here are both her public and private voice, bringing together youthful writing, essays, field journals, speeches, articles and letters. Lost Woods reveals her developing awareness of the fragility of the natural world and our impact on it, and of her campaign, ultimately successful, to bring international attention to the breadth of the challenges facing us. That we are finally becoming aware of the environmental emergency is thanks in no small part to Carson's prescient call to alarm.

Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was an American marine biologist. She is the New York Times bestselling author of the Sea trilogy: The Sea Around Us (winner of the National Book Award and the John Burroughs Medal), Under the Sea-Wind and The Edge of the Sea; as well as the seminal Silent Spring. Her books have been credited with advancing the global environmental movement.

'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