The New Agrarianism: Land, Culture, and the Community of Life [Paperback]

Eric T. Freyfogle (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1559639210 | ISBN-13: 978-1559639217 | Publication Date: September 1, 2001 | Edition: 1

The writings gathered in this book explore an important but little-publicized movement in American culture - the marked resurgence of agrarian practices and values in rural areas, suburbs, and even cities. It is a movement that in widely varied ways is attempting to strengthen society's roots in the land while bringing greater health to families, neighbourhoods and communities. "The New Agrarianism" vividly displays the movement's breadth and vigour, with selections by such award-winning writers as Wendell Berry, William Kittredge, Stephanie Mills, David Orr, Scott Russell Sanders and Donald Worster. As editor Eric Freyfogle observes in his introduction, agrarianism is properly conceived in broad terms, as reaching beyond food production to include a whole constellation of ideals, loyalties, sentiments and hopes. It is a temperament and a moral orientation, he explains, as well as a suite of diverse economic practices - all based on the insistent truth that people everywhere are part of the land community, as dependent as other life on its fertility and just as shaped by its mysteries and possibilities. The writings included here have been chosen for their engaging narratives as well as their depiction of the New Agrarianism's broad scope. Many of the selections illustrate agrarian practitioners in action - restoring prairies, promoting community forests and farms, reducing resource consumption, reshaping the built environment. Other selections offer pointed critiques of contemporary American culture and its market-driven, resource-depleting competitiveness. Together, they reveal what Freyfogle identifies as the heart and soul of the New Agrarianism: its yearning to regain society's connections to the land and its quest to help craft a more land-based and enduring set of shared values. The book is for social critics, community activists, organic gardeners, conservationists and all those seeking to forge sustaining ties with the entire community of life.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In response to an ever-increasing degradation of nature and a despoiling of the land, individuals nationwide have sought to find ways to restore the health of the land and maintain the crucial bonds between people and place. This excellent collection of fiction and nonfiction explores both the far-ranging problems arising from a capitalist industrial society and the restorative practices that "can stimulate hope for more joyful living, healthier families, and more contented, centered lives." In his introduction, editor Freyfogle (natural resources and property law, Univ. of Illinois) points out that the new agrarianism is not an escape to a pristine place but rather many local and varied attempts to achieve effective, enduring land use. All the selections are worthwhile, and several are outstanding. Farmer/poet Wendell Berry's essay focuses on the differences between a manipulative global economy and a caring local one, while Brian Donahue concludes that community ownership and management of much local land is essential to prevent its destruction. All authors agree that a radical change in social values is the key to bringing about a new understanding of our role on Earth. This thoughtful collection is highly recommended for all types of libraries. Ilse Heidmann, San Marcos, TX
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 334 pages
• Publisher: Island Press; 1 edition (September 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1559639210
• ISBN-13: 978-1559639217
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #766,807 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Good read, March 17, 2011

By 

Naomi - See all my reviews

This review is from: The New Agrarianism: Land, Culture, and the Community of Life (Paperback)

This book explains agrarianism as a lifestyle and mindset which values stewardship and preservation of the land, a land-based culture if you will. It critiques the distance our modern culture has traveled from the land, the source of food and sustenance. While this is academic reading, the writers explain viewpoints among the agrarian community by relating interviews in a relatively engaging way. It is a collection of essays and thoughts. New Agrarianism is a renewed interest in managing the environment and to connect people with their food sources and to build community.

The contributers in this book are well-known and acclaimed people in the agrarian community, including Wendell Berry, Donald Worster,Stephanie Mills, and more.

It is well worth the read!

1 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars the new agrarianism, November 30, 2010

By 

oldagrarian - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The New Agrarianism: Land, Culture, and the Community of Life (Paperback)

Do not waste your money on this dog. This is written by and for elite sicialists. In no way does this reflect the attitudes od American farmers or gardeners