A twice-weekly sharing of eco-shwag.
Today’s giveaway is a book by Rachel Carson, a woman whose writing inspired Al Gore’s enviro-activism! On the back cover of a Penguin Classics copy of Carson’s “Under the Sea-Wind,” Gore’s quoted saying: “Her picture hangs on my office wall among those of the political leaders, the presidents, and the prime ministers…. Carson has had as much or more effect on me than any of them, and perhaps all of them together.”
Originally published in 1941, “Under the Sea-Wind” follows the lives of sea birds and creatures, describing their appearances and interactions with each other and their habitats in colorful detail.
Skimming through the book, I did wonder if her minute, detailed descriptions of sea creatures may be somewhat less needed — certainly less appreciated — in today’s world, when people can just turn on the Animal Planet and National Geographic channels instead of plodding through a 184-page book. Carson’s language does have a very soothing effect, however — perhaps making this book ideal reading while laying by the beach, listening to the waves of the ocean.
I received this copy from Penguin Classics, which has been promoting its nature-themed books while announcing its support of The Nature Conservancy’s Plant a Billion Trees campaign.
Comment or email by Sunday to get into the drawing, which’ll happen Monday. US addresses only.
Friday Freebies
I’d love to read a book about sea birds
Comment by michelle rosborough — June 20, 2008 @ 9:06 am
this looks like something i would enjoy, indeed
Comment by sir jorge — June 20, 2008 @ 9:17 am
It’s been on my too read list for a while, but I’ve yet to find a copy at the local used book store!
Comment by Kim — June 20, 2008 @ 9:54 am
Count me in!
thanks,
Lisa T.
Comment by Lisa — June 20, 2008 @ 4:08 pm
Hi Siel, I like the cover of her book! I sure didn’t know that it was published that long ago! Your comment about her soothing voice sounds line a wonderful book to read for the summer. Thanks, Cindi
Comment by Cindi — June 21, 2008 @ 7:16 am
I would love to read about the sea birds! Please enter me in the drawing. Thank you.
Comment by Gill — June 21, 2008 @ 1:52 pm
Not sure if this has been given away yet, but please put me on the list – would love to read it! Thanks. Kim
Comment by Kim Hover — June 22, 2008 @ 5:45 pm
sir jorge is the lucky winner!
Comment by Siel — June 24, 2008 @ 11:26 am
Picked up your story. Thought you would like to know that 333,555 trees have been secured via the Plantabilliontrees.org campaign to date.
Maureen Donnelly
Penguin Publicity
Comment by Maureen Donnelly — July 1, 2008 @ 12:32 pm