Wendell Berry, Kentucky-born author who advocated a simpler life, has died at 92

Wendell Berry, the Kentucky-born author and agrarian who celebrated farming communities and warned against industrialization, has passed away at 92. Berry's daughter, Mary Berry, confirmed his death in their Port Royal, Kentucky home. Berry’s work, deeply rooted in his experiences growing up during the Great Depression, emphasized the simplicity and authenticity of rural life.

His novels, poems, and essays often highlighted the disconnects in modern society, advocating for a return to a self-sustaining community. Berry's legacy extended beyond Kentucky, influencing figures like Michael Pollan and Alice Waters. Despite never receiving a Pulitzer or National Book Award, he received numerous honors, including the National Humanities Medal and membership in the American Academy of Arts and Letters.