Description
Signed first edition of Silent Spring by Rachel Carson, from the library of fellow conservationist James W. Eike, the president of the Virginia Society of Ornithology.
Octavo, x, [6], 368pp. Green cloth, gilt title on spine and cover. Yellow top-stain, patterned endpapers. Stated “First Printing” on copyright page. Solid text block, slight bumps to edges of spine, a near fine example. In the publisher’s first state dust jacket, $5.00 retail price on front flap, chipping to spine and corners, touch of shelf wear, a vibrant example. Thin dampstain along bottom edge of rear flap, faint stain to bottom edge of text block, no impact to text or stability of jacket. Housed in a custom black morocco clamshell, title in gilt on green label over spine. This copy belonged to Mr. and Mrs. James W. Eike, with his ownership stamp on the half-title.
Inscribed by the author on the half-title: “Best Wishes / Rachel Carson.”
A beautiful example of a landmark work in environmental science and public health.
James W. Eike (1911-1983), the recipient of this copy, began working for the U.S. Public Health Service in 1934. He went on to work for the Civil Service Commission, the U.S. State Department, and retired from the U.S. Information Agency in 1970. Eike joined the Virginia Society of Ornithology (VSO) in 1933, serving as president from 1950-1952 and again from 1969-1971. His fifty years of membership is commemorated with the James W. Eike Service Award, recognizing VSO members for their outstanding conservation efforts and service to the organization.
Rachel Carson (1907-1964) was a pioneering environmentalist who raised global awareness about the dangers of synthetic pesticides like DDT, both for humans and the biosphere. Her writing and activism is credited with inspiring numerous legislative movements and the eventual creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
