Boston, Houghton Mifflin, 1972. The uncorrected proof copy of this literary biography by Brooks, who was editor-in-chief at Houghton Mifflin during the publication of Carson's The Edge of the Sea and Silent Spring, and who became the guardian of Carson's adopted son after her death. The book includes selections from Carson's own writing, both published and unpublished. Brooks called Silent Spring "one of those rare books that change the course of history — not through incitement to war or violent revolution, but by altering the direction of man’s thinking." Brooks himself was an important writer of natural history: his first book, Roadless Area, won the 1965 John Burroughs Medal. Spine creased, with clear tape at the base; handling apparent to wrappers, with partially abraded ink price upper on the front cover; two small marginal numbers in pencil on page 26; about very good in wrappers. [#035310] SOLD