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The Essay - Before 'Silent Spring' - John Clare

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Richard Mabey discovered Silent Spring and the work of the nineteenth century poet John Clare around the same time and was surprised to find so many similarities between them. Both highlighted the complex links between all living things and both gave stark warnings about the dangers of breaking those links. In the final essay of the week, Richard explores John Clare's role in bringing the beauty and fragility of the natural environment to wider public attention.