NewsKPBS Public MediaSeptember 1, 2026San Diego
Writer and environmentalist Wendell Berry dies at age 92
Wendell Berry, a noted novelist, poet, and critic of industrialized farming, has died at his home in Port Royal, Kentucky at age 92. Berry was known for his advocacy of local land stewardship and his rejection of modern technology in favor of traditional writing methods.
Read the full story at KPBS Public MediaWhy It Matters
The passing of Wendell Berry marks the end of a career that influenced American environmental thought and literature for over six decades.
Key Facts
- Wendell Berry died at age 92 in Port Royal, Kentucky.
- Berry was a critic of industrialized farming and modern technology.
- He famously used a typewriter purchased in 1956 for his entire career.
- He left a position at New York University at age 28 to return to farming in Henry County, Kentucky.
- He was awarded the National Humanities Medal by President Obama in 2012.
- He was the first living author inducted into the Kentucky Writer's Hall of Fame in 2015.
- His notable works include the 1968 essay 'A Native Hill' and the 2001 poem 'June Wind'.
Who's Mentioned
personNoah Adams“NPR interviewer.”personBarack Obama“President who awarded Berry the National Humanities Medal.”personWendell Berry“Subject of the article, writer and environmentalist.”organizationUniversity of Kentucky“Alma mater of Wendell Berry.”organizationNew York University“Former employer of Wendell Berry.”organizationStanford“University attended by Wendell Berry.”organizationKentucky Writer's Hall of Fame“Organization that inducted Berry in 2015.”