What a Book Can Do: The Publication and Reception of "Silent Spring"

Studies in Print Culture and the History of the Book

by Priscilla Coit Murphy

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.

Genres: Books About Books

272 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2005

Reviews

[Leslie Goddard · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully researched and insightful study of the publication and reception of Silent Spring, one of the first to really explore how it came to be as both a New Yorker series of articles and a book, and how that was inextricably intertwined with how the media and the public received and understood the book.

Despite the (decidedly odd) blurb on the back that this is “a quick read and not at all ponderous,” this is clearly a book aimed at communications and book history scholars. It reads very much like a dissertation, and the central focus is on the relationship between books and the media. This is a valuable addition to the field of book studies, but makes the book less engaging for those not coming from that field.

As someone interested in Carson and the cultural and social impact of her book, I found myself often disengaged by the academic theoretical focus. Nonetheless, for those non-academics willing to wade through the theory and repetitive framing of every discussion, it is a valuable insight into how Silent Spring functioned. I’d consider this essential to an understanding of Carson and of Silent Spring.

[Elle Hartford · Rating 4 out of 5]

Before I picked up this book, I already knew (and admired) Rachel Carson and her work -- and Murphy's narrative just made me more impressed than ever with Silent Spring. The writing style is easy to follow and everything is carefully organized. An interesting read for anyone who wants to know more about environmental topics, public debate, or books & media in the 1960s.

[Judy Gail Krasnow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book because I am a professional historical portrayal artist and portray Rachel Carson, author of "Silent Spring." "What A Book Can Do" is about the impact "Silent Spring" had upon the world. This is one of the best-written and researched books I have read. It helped me considerably in preparing my material for the performances I give as Rachel Carson. In 1962, the year "Silent Spring " was published, it was still possible for a book to stand out and change the world. "What A Book Can Do," filled me with the necessary inspiration to 'become Ms. Carson,' embroiled in the controversy "Silent Spring" created. It helped me fully understand the incredible impact that beautifully and wisely written words can have -- or could have during the historic Sixties Era. Priscilla Coit Murphy's book details this magnificently and, like Rachel Carson's writing, is so readable that it is a page-turner.