Best Wendell Berry Books of 2023

• Best Overall: What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017
• Best Budget: Nathan Coulter: A Novel
• Best Value: Wendell Berry: Port William Novels & Stories: The Civil War to World War II
• Editor's Choise: The Need to Be Whole: Patriotism and the History of Prejudice 

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#1: Wendell Berry: Port William Novels & Stories: The Civil War to World War II

Specs:

• Title: Wendell Berry: Port William Novels & Stories: The Civil War to World War II (LOA #302): Nathan Coulter / Andy Catlett: Early Travels / A World Lost / ...
• Publisher: Library of America
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN-10: 1598536856
• ISBN-13: 978-1598536856
• Pages: 1040

What we like:

• This book is an exhaustive compilation of Wendell Berry's Port William novels and short stories from the Civil War to World War II. There are four complete novels and twenty-three short stories in this collection.
• The Library of America is renowned for producing high-quality editions of American classic literature, and this book is no exception. It is a durable and attractive addition to any library due to its hardcover binding, acid-free paper, and sewn-in bookmark.
• The book contains an insightful introduction written by Wendell Berry himself, which provides context and background for the stories in the collection.
• This collection is no exception to Wendell Berry's reputation for his authentic depictions of rural life, which are a hallmark of his writing. The stories and characters are grounded in the reality of small-town America, and they offer a window into a way of life that is disappearing.

What we don't like:

• With over a thousand pages, this book is quite heavy and cumbersome, making it difficult to transport or read for extended periods.
• The subject matter of these stories may not be of interest to all readers. This book may not be for you if you are not interested in rural life, farming, or small-town America.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we recommend Wendell Berry: Port William Novels & Stories: The Civil War to World War II (LOA #302) to Wendell Berry fans and anyone interested in rural life and American literature. The collection is exhaustive and well-edited, and it provides an in-depth examination of Berry's most renowned work. However, the book's weight and limited appeal may deter some readers. If you are a fan of Berry's work or have an interest in the subject, this book is a must-have.

#2: What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017: (A Library of America Boxed Set)

Specs:

• Title: What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017: (A Library of America Boxed Set)
• Publisher: Library of America
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN-10: 1598536546
• ISBN-13: 978-1598536542
• Pages: 928

What we like:

• This book is a collection of Wendell Berry's essays from 1969 to 2017, spanning a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, ecology, economics, politics, religion, and culture.
• The essays of Wendell Berry are as timely and pertinent now as they were when they were written. In today's world, his insights into the relationship between humans and the natural world, as well as the significance of local communities and economies, are particularly significant.
• The Library of America is renowned for producing high-quality editions of American classic literature, and this book is no exception. It is a durable and attractive addition to any library due to its hardcover binding, acid-free paper, and sewn-in bookmark.
• The book contains an insightful introduction written by Jack Shoemaker that provides context and background for the essays included in the collection.

What we don't like:

• The subject matter of these essays may not be of interest to all readers. This book may not be for you if you are not interested in agriculture, ecology, economics, or politics.
• The essays can be dense and difficult to read at times, particularly for those who are unfamiliar with Wendell Berry's writing style.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we recommend What I Stand On: The Collected Essays of Wendell Berry 1969-2017: (A Library of America Boxed Set) to fans of Wendell Berry's writing as well as those interested in environmentalism, agriculture, and American literature. The collection is exhaustive and well-edited, and it provides a thorough examination of Berry's most significant essays. Some readers may find the book less appealing due to its limited appeal and dense prose. If you are a fan of Berry's work or have an interest in the subject, this book is a must-have.

 #3: Peace Of Wild Things

Specs:

• Title: Peace of Wild Things
• Author: Wendell Berry
• Publisher: Counterpoint Press
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1619024881
• ISBN-13: 978-1619024885
• Pages: 80

What we like:

• Wendell Berry is a master of poetic writing, and the poems in this collection are no exception. His language is evocative and beautiful, capturing the splendor and complexity of nature.
• The poems in this collection explore significant topics such as the relationship between humans and the natural world, the value of community, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in the modern world.
• The poems are accessible to all levels of readers, including those unfamiliar with poetry or Wendell Berry's work.
• This paperback edition is very inexpensive, making it an excellent choice for those who wish to experience the poetry of Wendell Berry without breaking the bank.

What we don't like:

• The collection only contains a small number of poems, which may disappoint readers seeking a more extensive selection of Berry's work.
• The poems lack a context or introduction, which may make them less accessible to readers unfamiliar with Berry's work.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we strongly recommend Wendell Berry's Peace of Wild Things to poetry and nature writing enthusiasts. This collection is a beautiful and accessible introduction to Berry's poetry, and it reveals the beauty and complexity of the natural world. However, the collection's limited scope and absence of context may disappoint some readers. If you are a fan of Berry's work or interested in nature writing, you should definitely pick up this collection.

 #4: How It Went: Thirteen More Stories of the Port William Membership

Specs:

• Title: How It Went: Thirteen More Stories of the Port William Membership
• Author: Wendell Berry
• Publisher: Counterpoint Press
• Format: Hardcover
• ISBN-10: 1640095505
• ISBN-13: 978-1640095509
• Pages: 192
• Release Date: November 8, 2022

What we like:

• Readers adore Wendell Berry's Port William Membership stories for their rich characters and vivid sense of place. How It Went returns readers to this world and its characters, continuing their respective narratives.
• Berry's writing is consistently perceptive and thought-provoking, and these stories are no exception. They provide commentary on topics including love, loss, and the significance of community.
• This edition's hardcover binding and high-quality paper make it a durable and aesthetically pleasing addition to any library.
• Fans of Wendell Berry have eagerly anticipated this publication, which promises to be a satisfying continuation of the Port William Membership tales.

What we don't like:

• These tales may not appeal to readers who are unfamiliar with Wendell Berry's work or who are not interested in tales set in rural communities.
• The collection contains only thirteen stories, which may disappoint readers seeking a more extensive collection of Berry's work.

Our Verdict:

We recommend How It Went: Thirteen More Stories of the Port William Membership by Wendell Berry to anyone interested in rural American literature and fans of his writing. The stories are well-written and insightful, and they continue the cherished Port William Membership series. However, the collection's limited appeal and brief length may make it less appealing to some readers. If you are a fan of Berry's work or have an interest in the subject matter, this book is a must-read.

 #5: This Day: Collected & New Sabbath Poems

Specs:

• Title: This Day: Collected & New Sabbath Poems

• Author: Wendell Berry
• Publisher: Counterpoint Press
• Format: Paperback
• ISBN-10: 1619023613
• ISBN-13: 978-1619023611
• Pages: 408
• Release Date: September 2, 2014

What we like:

• The poetry of Wendell Berry is always evocative and lovely, and the Sabbath Poems are no exception. His language is both straightforward and profound, capturing the essence of life and nature.
• The poems in this collection explore themes such as the splendor of nature, the value of community, and the quest for life's meaning and purpose.
• This collection offers a comprehensive look at Berry's Sabbath Poems through a variety of poems, both new and previously published.
• The poems are accessible to all levels of readers, including those unfamiliar with poetry or Wendell Berry's work.

What we don't like:

• Some readers may feel that the collection is repetitive due to the poems' exploration of similar themes and topics.
• The poems lack a context or introduction, which may make them less accessible to readers unfamiliar with Berry's work.

Our Verdict:

Overall, we strongly endorse This Day: Collected & New Sabbath Poems by Wendell Berry to poetry and nature writing enthusiasts. This collection is a beautiful and approachable exploration of Berry's poetic writing, providing insights into the beauty and complexity of the natural world. For some readers, the repetitive themes and lack of context may be disappointing. If you are a fan of Berry's work or interested in nature writing, you should definitely pick up this collection.

• Consider the genre: Wendell Berry has written books in a variety of genres, including fiction, poetry, and essays. Decide which genre you are most interested in and start with a book in that category.

• Start with the Port William series: Berry's most well-known works are the Port William series, a collection of interconnected stories set in a fictional rural town in Kentucky. If you are new to Berry's work, we recommend starting with the first book in this series, "Nathan Coulter."

• Look for anthologies: Berry has written numerous essays and poems on a variety of topics, and anthologies of his work are a great way to explore his writing. Look for collections that focus on specific themes, such as farming or spirituality, or that cover a broad range of topics.

• Consider the edition: Many of Berry's books have been reissued in new editions over the years, with updated introductions or additional material. Consider whether you want to read the original edition or a newer version.

• Check out audiobooks: If you prefer listening to books rather than reading them, many of Berry's books are available in audiobook format. This can be a great way to experience his writing while you're on the go.

What are the most popular Wendell Berry books?

"Jayber Crow," "The Unsettling of America," "A Place on Earth," and "The Art of the Commonplace" are among Berry's most popular works.

What themes does Wendell Berry's writing explore?

Berry's writing frequently examines rural existence, sustainable agriculture, environmentalism, community, and spirituality.

Does Wendell Berry continue to write?

Yes, Wendell Berry is still writing, although his output has slowed in recent years. The publication of his most recent book, "The Farm," occurred in 2018.

Where can I find the books of Wendell Berry?

The books of Wendell Berry are widely available at brick-and-mortar and online bookstores such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

How should one begin reading Wendell Berry's works?

We suggest beginning with the Port William series, starting with "Nathan Coulter," or with an anthology of Berry's essays and poems on a topic that interests you.

Wendell Berry's books provide readers with a unique perspective on rural life, agriculture, and environmentalism, and his writing has attracted a worldwide fan base. When deciding which of his books to read, it is essential to consider the available genre, edition, and anthology options. Beginning with the Port William series or an anthology on a topic of interest is an excellent way to become acquainted with Berry's work.