It is rare that a single book actually changes the course of history. Silent Spring, by Rachel Carson, did exactly that. It spurred revolutionary changes in government policy toward the environment and was instrumental in launching the environmental movement that has made "ecology" a part of everyone's vocabulary. It is one of the landmark books of the twentieth century, and its message is as pertinent today as it was when it was first published. As Paul Brooks writes in his foreword, "Twenty-five years after original publication, Silent Spring has more than a historical interest. Such a book bridges the gulf between what C.P. Snow called 'the two cultures.' Rachel Carson was a realistic, well-trained scientist who possessed the insight and sensitivity of a poet. She had an emotional response to nature, for which she did not apologize. The more she learned, the greater grew what she termed 'the sense of wonder.' So she succeeded in making a book about death a celebration of life.