American Pests: The Losing War on Insects from Colonial Times to DDT by James Mc

Description: American Pests by James McWilliams Argues for a more harmonious and rational approach to our relationship with insects, one that does not harm our environment. Beginning with the early techniques of colonial farmers and ending with the modern use of chemical insecticides, this book shows how Americas war on insects mirrors its continual struggle with nature and technology. FORMAT Hardcover LANGUAGE English CONDITION Brand New Publisher Description The world of insects is one we only dimly understand. Yet from using arsenic, cobalt, and quicksilver to kill household infiltrators to employing the sophisticated tools of the Orkin Man, Americans have fought to eradicate the "bugs" they have learned to hate. Inspired by the still-revolutionary theories of Rachel Carsons Silent Spring, James E. McWilliams argues for a more harmonious and rational approach to our relationship with insects, one that does not harm our environment and, consequently, ourselves along the way. Beginning with the early techniques of colonial farmers and ending with the modern use of chemical insecticides, McWilliams deftly shows how Americas war on insects mirrors its continual struggle with nature, economic development, technology, and federal regulation. He reveals a very American paradox: the men and women who settled and developed this country sought to control the environment and achieve certain economic goals; yet their methods of agricultural expansion undermined their efforts and linked them even closer to the inexorable realities of the insect world. As told from the perspective of the often flamboyant actors in the battle against insects, American Pests is a fascinating investigation into the attitudes, policies, and practices that continue to influence our behavior toward insects. Asking us to question, if not abandon, our reckless (and sometimes futile) attempts at insect control, McWilliams convincingly argues that insects, like people, have an inherent right to exist and that in our attempt to rid ourselves of insects, we compromise the balance of nature. Notes Subtitled, The Losing War On Insects From Colonial Times To DDT. A history of US pest control. Author Biography James E. McWilliams is an associate professor of history at Texas State University-San Marcos and a recent fellow in the Agrarian Studies Program at Yale University. His articles have appeared in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and Washington Post, among other publications, and he is the author of A Revolution in Eating: How the Quest for Food Shaped America and Building the Bay Colony: Local Economy and Society in Early Massachusetts. Table of Contents Acknowledgments Introduction. "The Dunghill of Mens Passions": The Insect Paradox 1. "The Insect Tribes Still Maintain Their Ground": Insects and Early Americans 2. "There Is No Royal Road to the Destruction of Bugs": The Rise of the Professionals 3. "Let Us Conquer Space": Breaking the Plains and Fighting the Insects 4. "A Great Schemer": Charles V. Riley and the Broken Promises of Early Insecticides 5. "Let Us Spray": Mosquitoes, War, and Chemicals 6. "Vot Iss de Effidence?": Residues, Regulations, and the Politics of Protecting Insecticides 7. "Complaints Are Coming In": A Year in the Life of an Insecticide Nation, 1938 8. "Lets Put Our Heads Together and Start a New Country Up": Silent Springs and Loud Protests Epilogue. "Some Very Learned Men Are the Greatest Fools in the World": In Praise of Localism Notes Bibliography Index Review "[A] colorful chronicle of pest management in the United States... As well written as it is thorough." -- Publishers Weekly "[McWilliams] knows how to address unusual historical topics in rich detail... Poignant... Thorough... Recommended." -- Library Journal "[An] articulate, well-organized... excellent primer." -- Irene Wanner, Seattle Times Promotional "The originality of American Pests comes in the impressive sweep of its analysis and the integration of heretofore fragmented events into a coherent story." -- Jeffrey A. Lockwood, professor of natural sciences and humanities, University of Wyoming Prizes Winner of Choice Outstanding Academic Title 2017 Review Quote "[McWilliams] knows how to address unusual historical topics in rich detail... Poignant... Thorough... Recommended." -- Library Journal Promotional "Headline" A sweeping historical account of Americas losing battle with nature. Description for Bookstore CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title, 2008 Details ISBN023113942X Short Title AMER PESTS Publisher Columbia University Press Language English ISBN-10 023113942X ISBN-13 9780231139427 Media Book Format Hardcover Year 2008 Imprint Columbia University Press Subtitle The Losing War on Insects from Colonial Times to DDT Place of Publication New York Country of Publication United States Translated from English DOI 10.1604/9780231139427 UK Release Date 2008-06-17 AU Release Date 2008-06-17 NZ Release Date 2008-06-17 US Release Date 2008-06-17 Author James McWilliams Pages 312 Publication Date 2008-06-17 DEWEY 632.0973 Illustrations 35 illus. Audience Professional & Vocational We've got this At The Nile, if you're looking for it, we've got it. With fast shipping, low prices, friendly service and well over a million items - you're bound to find what you want, at a price you'll love! TheNile_Item_ID:161836146;

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