This deluxe Library of America volume presents one of the landmark books of the twentieth century together with rare letters, speeches, and other writings that reveal the personal courage and passionate commitment of its author, environmentalist Rachel Carson. A huge bestseller when published in 1962, Silent Spring led not only to many of the laws and government agencies that protect our air, land, and water, but prompted a revolution in environmental consciousness. Now for the first time, in previously unpublished and newly collected letters, Carson's groundbreaking expose of the unintended consequences of pesticide use comes together piece-by-piece.