For writer and scientist Rachel Carson, education came from books and birds. Writing and observing nature made a lifetime of learning. Carson, the author of "Silent Spring" died on April 14, 1964 in Silver Spring, Maryland. | American Experience | PBS

Rachel Carson's "Silent Spring" was published on September 27, 1962. The groundbreaking book proved a key motivator in the nationwide ban of DDT, a popular but hazardous insecticide. | American Experience | PBS

Il y a 60 ans, le livre de Rachel Carson, biologiste et militante écologiste américaine, « Printemps silencieux », dénonçait l'impact des pesticides. L'autrice a inspiré avec cet ouvrage le mouvement environnemental en occident en plus de mener à l'interdiction du pesticide DDT aux États-Unis. | La semaine verte

"Rachel Carson not only changed the kind of questions we ask about the environment; I think she caused us to start to ask those questions." "Rachel Carson" premieres next Tuesday, January 24 at 8/7c on PBS. | American Experience | PBS

With "Silent Spring," Rachel Carson offered a warning about the long-term dangers of pesticides and unleashed an extraordinary national debate. RACHEL CARSON returns to PBS on May 28 at 8/7c. | American Experience | PBS