Silent Spring

This landmark exposé is the result of the nearly two decades that biologist and conservationist Rachel Carson spent in the weeds, studying the damaging effects of synthetic pesticide use on environmental and human health. Its release drew plenty of venom from chemical giants like DuPont, but it also led to a ban on the use of DDT and galvanized a surge in environmental activism that would, among other things, pave the way for the establishment of the Environmental Protection Agency.