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The Unforeseen Wilderness: Kentucky's Red River Gorge

wendell berry ralph eugene meatyard

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Only someone who values land enough to farm a hillside for more than thirty years could write about a wild place so lovingly. Wendell Berry just as easily steps into Kentucky’s Red River Gorge and makes the observations of a poet as he does step away to view his subject with the keen, unflinching eye of an essayist. The inimitable voice of Wendell Berry—at once frank and lovely—is our guide as we explore this unique wilderness.

Located in eastern Kentucky and home to 26,000 acres of untamed river, rock formations, historical sites, unusual vegetation and wildlife, the Gorge very nearly fell victim to a man-made lake thirty years ago. “No place is to be learned like a textbook,” Berry tells us, and so through revealing the Gorge’s corners and crevices, its ridges and rapids, his words not only implore us to know more but to venture there ourselves. Infused with his very personal perspective and enhanced by the startling photographs of Ralph Eugene Meatyard, The Unforeseen Wilderness draws the reader in to celebrate an extraordinary natural beauty and to better understand what threatens it.

144 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1971

This edition

Format
144 pages, Paperback
Published
February 2, 2006 by Counterpoint
ISBN
9781593760922
ASIN
1593760922
Language
English

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About the author

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wendell berry

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Wendell Berry is a conservationist, farmer, essayist, novelist, professor of English and poet. He was born August 5, 1934 in Henry County, Kentucky where he now lives on a farm. The New York Times has called Berry the "prophet of rural America."

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.2 / 5.0, 25 votes)
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25 reviews All reviews
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sebsus
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Berry's writing has always been renowned for its beauty and the ability to stir emotions deep within the reader. I was truly captivated by this book, which, even 40 years after its initial publication, still holds an engaging and compelling charm.

Chapter Three, however, seemed a bit tenuous and not quite in line with Berry's typical style. Nevertheless, the remainder of the book is a prime example of his literary prowess. If you are a fan of Wendell Berry's work, this book is definitely a worthy read.

The book was penned in response to the proposal of damming the Red River Gorge to form a lake and prevent flooding in the area. To avoid spoiling the story for you, I will refrain from revealing what has transpired in the past 40 years. Instead, I highly recommend reading the book and then conducting your own research on the area. You might be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

The book leans heavily towards the environmentalist perspective, but it does so without being overly preachy. It simply presents the issues in a matter-of-fact manner and offers a unique look at the area through the eyes of a visitor. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful literary journey.
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MacKtheVoid
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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As a life-long Kentuckian,

I have a deep connection to this land. However, I am relatively new to backpacking and camping in the Red River Gorge.

Thanks to this book, I believe my appreciation for it will grow even deeper in the future.

Before, I would often rely on maps to navigate my way. But now, I think I'll look a lot less at maps and much more at Creation.

This book of essays has truly been a delight to read.

It has opened my eyes to the beauty and wonder that surrounds us in the Red River Gorge.

I can't wait to explore this area more and experience all that it has to offer.

With this new perspective, I'm sure my future adventures will be even more memorable and fulfilling.
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mio_
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Who could better depict the marvels of the Red River Gorge than native Kentuckyian Wendell Berry? His 1991 book was penned as part of the battle to safeguard the scenic gorge from a proposed dam. Fortunately, in this instance, the environmentalists emerged victorious. Berry vividly describes his thrilling hiking adventures, peaceful camping nights, and exciting canoeing escapades in that remarkable place. The Red River Gorge is a natural wonderland, with its majestic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse wildlife. Berry's words bring this enchanting area to life, allowing readers to experience its beauty and charm vicariously. His love for the gorge is palpable on every page, and his passion for protecting it is truly inspiring. Through his writing, Berry has not only captured the essence of the Red River Gorge but also raised awareness about the importance of preserving our natural heritage.

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inukagome134
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Classic Berry is a remarkable piece of work.

It not only offers a generous dose of the concepts of “place” and “slow living” but also presents vivid and enchanting descriptions of the gorge throughout.

If you have ever hiked in that area before, you can easily picture each and every scene that the author describes.

It is truly interesting to observe how much has remained the same since this book was written more than 50 years ago.

This book would be highly recommended to be read either before or during a hiking or camping trip, especially if the destination is the Gorge itself.

It can enhance your experience by allowing you to envision the beauty and charm of the place even before you set foot there.

Moreover, during the trip, you can compare the real scenery with the descriptions in the book and gain a deeper appreciation for the area.

Overall, Classic Berry is a wonderful read that combines nature, travel, and a sense of tranquility.
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YPZaete
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Ah yes, it is so easy to simply blame environmental degradation on the “stupid” Appalachian farmer. The one who supposedly just wants to leave and doesn't care about the land at all. I do have a love for some of Wendell Berry's poems. But if he truly believes that Appalachians have such a callous attitude towards the land they inhabit, then my opinion of his intelligence and his awareness of the real world has just hit rock bottom.


It is unjust and inaccurate to generalize an entire group of people in such a way. There are many Appalachian farmers who have a deep connection and respect for the land. They have been stewards of it for generations, working hard to make a living while also trying to protect the environment.


We should not be so quick to judge and assume. Instead, we should take the time to understand the complex issues and the diverse range of people and perspectives involved. Maybe then, we can start to find more effective solutions to the problem of environmental degradation.

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WaffleDavid
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Wendell Berry's evocative language is an ideal fit for ruminating on the treasure that is the Red River Gorge.

Everyone who loves that land could not express themselves more effectively. And I'm certain that all are delighted that Berry is capable of expressing so poetically what most people feel the very first time they set foot in the Gorge, as well as the last.

The Unforeseen Wilderness is perhaps the finest book of all for experiencing the Gorge. Most other books about the Gorge are designed to be guides and, as a result, are overly and objectively descriptive. Berry desires for you to experience the unseen, as well as the unforeseen.

Ralph Eugene Meatyard (what an interesting name!) offers several black and white photographs. There are a few that I'm sure are breathtaking as original prints. His photography adds another dimension to the exploration of the Gorge, allowing readers to visually connect with the beauty and mystery that Berry describes in his words.

Together, Berry's writing and Meatyard's photography create a powerful and immersive experience of the Red River Gorge, one that will leave readers with a deeper appreciation for this remarkable place.
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hokageofthenorth
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A beautiful and poetic book is singing the praises of a place that so many of us, myself included, hold dear. It truly captures the essence of what makes this place special. I am particularly drawn to his point about the importance of finding wonder in the small details. It's not just about the grand and majestic cliff line views that take our breath away. In fact, there is beauty and a sense of awe to be discovered everywhere if we only take the time to look closely.


Every little pebble on the beach, every delicate flower along the path, and every gentle breeze that caresses our faces has its own unique charm. This book reminds us to slow down, to stop and smell the roses, and to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us in our daily lives. It encourages us to open our eyes and our hearts to the world around us and to find joy in the simplest of things.


Whether we are exploring a new place or simply going about our daily routines, there is always something beautiful waiting to be discovered. We just need to have the patience and the curiosity to look for it. This book is a wonderful reminder of the power of beauty and the importance of taking the time to appreciate it.

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Buster01
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A beautiful book can be a source of无尽的 joy and inspiration.

It has the power to transport us to different worlds, introduce us to unique characters, and make us feel a wide range of emotions.

The cover of a beautiful book is often eye-catching, with its carefully designed layout and captivating imagery.

As we open the book, we are greeted with the smell of fresh paper and the promise of an exciting adventure.

The words on the pages seem to dance and come alive, painting vivid pictures in our minds.

Whether it's a classic novel, a thought-provoking non-fiction work, or a charming children's book, a beautiful book has the ability to touch our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

It can be a companion on a rainy day, a source of comfort in times of stress, or a means of escaping from the realities of the world.

A beautiful book is truly a treasure that we can cherish and revisit time and time again.
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