In 'The Gift of Good Land', Wendell Berry weaves a profound narrative that explores the intricate relationship between land, community, and sustainable agriculture. Through a series of essays, he reflects on the cultural and environmental impacts of industrialization, urging a return to responsible stewardship of the earth. Berry's passionate advocacy for local farming practices invites readers to reconsider their role in the ecosystem and the importance of place. With poetic prose and compelling anecdotes, he inspires a deeper appreciation for the natural world and our interconnectedness within it. This thought-provoking work leaves readers yearning to reconnect with the land they inhabit and to cultivate a more sustainable future.
By Wendell Berry
Published: 2009
"The land is a gift, and we must care for it as for the living body of our community and ourselves."
The essays in The Gift of Good Land are as true today as when they were first published in 1981; the problems addressed here are still true and the solutions no nearer to hand. The insistent theme of this book is the interdependence, the wholeness, the oneness of people, land, weather, animals, and family. To touch one is to tamper with them all. We live in one functioning organism whose separate parts are artificially isolated by our culture. Here, Berry develops the compelling argument that the “gift” of good land has strings attached. We have it only on loan and only for as long as we practice good stewardship.
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“The land is a gift, and we must care for it as for the living body of our community and ourselves.”
The Gift of Good Land
By Wendell Berry
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Wendell Berry is an acclaimed American author, poet, environmental activist, and farmer, born on August 5, 1934. Known for his deep connection to nature and advocacy for sustainable agriculture, Berry's notable works include "Jayber Crow," "The Memory of Old Jack," and "Hannah Coulter." His writing style is characterized by lyrical prose and rich, evocative imagery that reflects his commitment to rural life and community. Berry's essays and poems often explore themes of land stewardship, social justice, and the interdependence of human and natural systems, making him a prominent voice in contemporary American literature.
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