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Rachel Carson: The Writer at Work
A comprehensive study of the distinguished American author provides insight into her character as well as her struggles as a spokeswoman for conservation
359 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1972
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 19, 2018
A collection passages from each of Rachel Carson's major works, plus commentary. To me, sliced and diced, it lacks the even, relaxed pace and the sense of wonder that Carson develops in her books. The biographical bits are interesting, but you can find those details online pretty easily. I didn't even finish this one. Check out The Sea Around Us or Silent Spring instead. The one part that I did enjoy a lot was a collection of cartoons about Carson that appeared in the media during and just after her lifetime.
Update: I finally finished it, and the chapters about her book Silent Spring were pretty interesting. Still, the biographical part seems mostly focused on her personal correspondence, thus incomplete and rather emphasizing her insecurities. Some of the quoted parts of her work seem complete, others lack context. I still think that reading almost any book of hers will give the reader just as good or better sense of Rachel Carson.
Update: I finally finished it, and the chapters about her book Silent Spring were pretty interesting. Still, the biographical part seems mostly focused on her personal correspondence, thus incomplete and rather emphasizing her insecurities. Some of the quoted parts of her work seem complete, others lack context. I still think that reading almost any book of hers will give the reader just as good or better sense of Rachel Carson.
February 18, 2018
Written by Carson's own editor, this book undoubtedly was among the first to explore her biography. I enjoyed reading the lengthy excerpted passages from her books (these are well-chosen and would be great choices for someone who doesn't want to read the entire books), but I enjoyed even more reading the full books themselves. The biographical sections have been expanded on and further explored by subsequent biographers, so that this book, though of critical value to biographers, now feels a bit skimpy by comparison. My favorite part of the book, however, were the cartoons collected on the inside, many of which haven't appeared in other Carson biographies. I'd call this book important and enjoyable, but it's been surpassed.
August 28, 2022
Paul Brooks served as an editor for Rachel Carson. In this book, he describes her research and writing processes as well as how she came to be interested in and write her groundbreaking work. Brooks alternates his observations with excerpts from Carson's well known works. This is a book is not a biography of Carson, although Brooks includes biographical information when it is relevant. It is a tribute to Carson and her writing. I found it an excellent way to read some of Carson's writing in the context in which it was written.
May 17, 2015
Brooks quotes extensively from Rachel Carson's work and correspondence, which is a major strength, as Carson's writing is beautiful. The selections were also well made. However, the introductions to the excerpts of her work were not well made. I spent a few sentences of the first excerpt wondering why this paragraph sounded awfully like Rachel Carson had written it - and then realized she had, but Brooks hadn't quite made that clear. His own relationship with Carson, as her editor, was also left largely out, which made the very occasional forays into first-person description rather jarring. Those flaws are the only thing keeping this book from a five-star review, though, and overall I feel I have a much better grasp of who Rachel Carson was and why she wrote.
January 14, 2012
I was predisposed to like this book because of the subject matter, but I found it completely inspiring. Written by one of Rachel Carson's former editors, the book provides interesting insights into her personal life, professional experiences, and underlying motivations, along with the widespread and varied reaction to her books and ideas. The book also contains excerpts from her major books along with several magazine articles and personal correspondence. An engaging and important read about an exceptionally influential person whose contributions remain salient today.
February 14, 2012
This is a great book from Rachel Carson's editor. Paul Brooks talks about what Rachel was experiencing in her life when she wrote various brochures, articles and books-and then he brings excerpts from the work. It gives you a great sense of the depth and width of her work-and how she was able to capture a mood and a moment.
February 23, 2012
A book providing a charmed account into the very inspiring life of Rachel Carson as a writer from her early days to the writing of Silent Spring. It also uses extracts from published and unpublished writings and correspondence to trace her growth as a writer and as a scientist committed to using her art to inform and transform people's lives.
October 2, 2012
Copyright 1972
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October 31, 2016I've spent a very long time reading this one, and how it saddens me to have come to the end. It was as if I were trying to keep Rachel Carson from ever dying, and inevitably failed.
An interesting overview of her work, and respectful of her wishes.
An interesting overview of her work, and respectful of her wishes.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews