THE SILENT EXPLOSION

by Philip Appleman ‧ RELEASE DATE: Feb. 11, 1965

One might quibble with this title, since it is one of the author's main objectives to convince us that the millions -- and very soon, billions -- of persons who are usually referred to as the population explosion will not remain silent much longer. As a teacher with the unique International School of America, Professor Appleman accompanied a small group of college students on a tour of 16 different countries per academic year. His book is a depiction of the poverty and misery which is only increasing as we extend lifespans with modern medicine before we have discovered any practical means of making those lives bearable, let alone meaningful or pleasant. The underlying facts and necessities of the situation are presented as simply and persuasively as possible. There are two principal villains opposing the only immediately available countermeasure, birth control: the Catholic Church and Communism. Others, such as ""the Cornucopian Economists"" who argue that the problem will easily disappear, are dealt with in passing, with brief but fairly effective scorn. No panaceas are offered, both because there are none to be had and because Professor Appleman rightly decided that his first task should be to spread the alarm.

Pub Date: Feb. 11, 1965

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Beacon

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1965

Categories: NONFICTION