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 Carson's 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 America's 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.

About the Author

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.

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We are located in Cooperstown, NY, one block from the Baseball Hall of Fame. We have an open store with books and ephemera. In the Spring, Summer and Fall, we are open 7 days a week, from 10-6. During the winter, we are open 6 days a week, from 10-5:30.

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Willis Monie Books LLC
139 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY, 13326, U.S.A.

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Terms of Sale

Willis Monie Books - ABAA
139 Main Street
Cooperstown, NY 13326
UNITED STATES
(607)547-8363
mail@wilmonie.com
EIN #16-1576645
Contact Person - Willis Monie
All sales are returnable up to 14 days after receipt for any reason.

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Information regarding the right of withdrawal

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You have the right to withdraw from this contract within 14 days without giving any reason.

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If you withdraw from this contract, we will reimburse to you all payments received from you, including the costs of delivery (except for the supplementary costs arising if you chose a type of delivery other than the least expensive type of standard delivery offered by us).

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You shall send back the goods or hand them over to Willis Monie-Books, ABAA, Cooperstown, New York, U.S.A., without undue delay and in any event not later than 14 days from the day on which you communicate your withdrawal from this contract to us. The deadline is met if you send back the goods before the period of 14 days has expired. You will have to bear the direct cost of returning the goods. You are only liable for any diminished value of the goods resulting from the handling other than what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning of the goods.

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Order quantity	5 to 14 business days	3 to 6 business days
First item	� 6.02	� 9.41

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