Look & See: A Portrait of Wendell Berry | Filmmaker Q&A

Andy Catlett is a novel by Wendell Berry that follows the life and reflections of its titular character as he returns to and contemplates his rural Kentucky home. The book explores themes of belonging, memory, moral decision-making, and the significance of place in shaping identity. Through Andy’s perspective, Berry examines the cultural shifts that have affected rural life and the enduring value of rootedness and community ties. The novel is characterized by quiet, reflective prose and moral seriousness, situating personal choices within broader social and ecological consequences. It stands as a key example of Berry’s melding of literary artistry with agrarian philosophy.

What I Stand On compiles Wendell Berry’s major essays across nearly five decades, presenting his sustained reflections on agriculture, community, technology, and moral responsibility. The two-volume set, published by Library of America, brings together influential pieces like The Unsettling of America alongside many other essays that map Berry’s evolving thought. Organized thematically and chronologically, the collection reveals the continuity of Berry’s commitment to place-based living and stewardship. It highlights his persistent concern for the consequences of industrialization and the loss of local culture, while offering arguments for sustainable, small-scale farming and civic engagement. The volumes serve as a comprehensive reference for readers and scholars interested in Berry’s contributions to environmental ethics and American letters.

Wendell Berry's "Jayber Crow" is a novel that follows the life of a man who returns to his hometown after years of wandering. The story explores themes of community, nature, and the search for meaning in life. Berry's writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and its focus on the interconnectedness of all things. The novel's depiction of rural life and its exploration of faith and doubt resonate with readers who appreciate thoughtful and evocative storytelling. The book's focus on the importance of place and community offers a refreshing perspective on modern life.

"Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer" by Wendell Berry is an essay articulating Berry's skepticism towards technology, particularly computers, and their impact on society and individual autonomy. In this essay, Berry explains his preference for using a typewriter over a computer, arguing that the typewriter is a more reliable and repairable technology. He emphasizes the importance of understanding and being able to fix one's tools, contrasting this with the complexity and dependency associated with computers. Berry suggests that relying too heavily on technology can lead to a loss of self-sufficiency and a disconnection from the physical world. His resistance to computers reflects a broader concern about the values and priorities of modern, technology-driven society.

In this book, Wendell Berry argues that good farming is not just an economic activity but a cultural and spiritual discipline. He critiques the modern agribusiness model for taking farming out of its cultural context and away from families, leading to a nation more estranged from the land. Berry emphasizes the destructive effects of mechanized farming on the environment and society, advocating for a return to more traditional and sustainable farming practices. He also discusses the broader implications of this disconnection, including the fragmentation of modern society and the loss of communal integrity.