Contemplative / Challenging / Informative / Melancholic / Nostalgic

Wendell Berry's The Unsettling of America is celebrated for its insightful critique of industrial agriculture and advocacy for sustainable farming practices. Critics praise its eloquent prose and deep environmental understanding. However, some find its idealism impractical. The book remains a seminal work for those interested in agrarianism and ecological ethics.

Readers who would enjoy The Unsettling of America by Wendell Berry are likely interested in sustainable agriculture, rural culture, and environmental ethics. They may also appreciate Silent Spring by Rachel Carson or Walden by Henry David Thoreau for their focus on nature and societal critique.

In The Unsettling of America, Wendell Berry explores the consequences of industrial agriculture on communities and the environment. He advocates for agrarian values, emphasizing the connection between people and the land. Berry suggests that sustainable farming practices can restore ecological balance and enhance the well-being of individuals and societies.

- In The Unsettling of America, Wendell Berry explores the intricate relationship between people and the land, presenting a critical analysis of modern agriculture's impacts on community and ecological well-being.
- Wendell Berry is not only an advocate for sustainable farming practices but also a celebrated poet, essayist, and critic who has been awarded numerous literary honors for his work, including the National Humanities Medal in 2010.
- The publication of The Unsettling of America in 1977 was a pivotal moment in the agrarian movement, as it significantly influenced the discourse on sustainable farming and environmental conservation in the United States.

**Wendell Berry**  
An American poet, essayist, and environmental activist, who critiques industrial agriculture and advocates for sustainable farming practices and rural community preservation. He draws on his personal experiences as a farmer to present his perspectives.

**Earl L. Butz**  
The US Secretary of Agriculture from 1971 to 1976, known for policies promoting industrial agriculture and farm consolidation. His approach, emphasizing profit-driven agriculture, contrasts with Berry's sustainable farming advocacy.

**Thomas Jefferson**  
A Founding Father of the US and third president, who championed agrarianism and believed in the civic virtue of independent farmers. His ideals are referenced by Berry to support small-scale farming.

**Justin Morrill**  
US Congressman and Senator who established the Morrill Land-Grant Acts, aimed at creating colleges for agricultural education. Berry discusses the original intent of these Acts to support small farmers, reflecting on their deviation toward industrial agriculture.

**Barry Commoner**  
An American biologist and environmentalist, whose research on sustainable farming practices supports Berry's critiques of petrochemical-based agriculture. His work provides scientific backing for a shift towards organic and ecological farming approaches.

Wendell Berry

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Overview

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The Unsettling of America Summary and Study Guide

Background

The Unsettling of America Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface 1-Chapter 3

The Unsettling of America Preface 1-Chapter 3 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

The Unsettling of America Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapter 7-Afterword

The Unsettling of America Chapter 7-Afterword Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

The Unsettling of America Key Figures

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Themes

The Unsettling of America Themes

Index of Terms

The Unsettling of America Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

The Unsettling of America Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Unsettling of America Essay Topics

The Unsettling of America

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read The Unsettling of America?

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