Harlan Hubbard, Life and Work

Blazer Lectures

by Wendell Berry

Looks at the life of the Kentucky writer, painter, and idealist who tried to live a life of self-sufficiency apart from the industrial values of American society

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction

108 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1990

About the author

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."

Reviews

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

In reading "Before We Were Yours," I was introduced to shantyboats and shantyboat culture. This, of course, led me down a research hole, which eventually led to a "discovery" of Harlan Hubbard. Once I began reading about Harlan and Anna Hubbard, I realized there was a huge gap in my knowledge of sustainability figures and regional artists/writers. And all of that brought me to Wendell Berry's wonderful book about Hubbard and the revolutionary life he and his wife chose to live.

Thank you, Wendell Berry, for again leading me to beauty and wisdom.

[John Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my high school classmates from my missionary boarding school in Kenya, Betsy Booth Tweedy, is a librarian in Trimble County, KY where Harlan Hubbard lived for the last forty years of his life with his wife, Anna. After reading Harlan Hubbards book on the shantyboat and his life in Payne Hollow, she recommended this book and one by Mia Cunningham for good overviews of the lives of Harlan and Anna Hubbard. I have read almost all of Wendell Berry's novels and short stories, so it was nice to read a book of his in a different genre. Through knowing Harlan Hubbard personally, reading his journals, and examining his art, we get to know parts of Harlan Hubbard's life that do not come through as much in his books. He brings out the depth of Harlan's relationship with Anna, his spiritual life, and discusses his art in an in-depth way (a good selection of Harlan's paintings are included in the book). Written with the usual clarity and thoughtfulness of Wendell Berry's writing.

[Tobe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wendell Berry found a kindred spirit in Harlan Hubbard, another Kentuckian who happened to live in his part of the state. This book is a very touching tribute to the person of Harlan Hubbard, who led an artistic life through his artwork, writings and very nature of his existence. While little known outside of his immediate region, Berry considers Hubbard to have lived a most successful life and finds within him many of the ideals that Berry has championed. The book touches upon many of the concerns that have absorbed Berry, particularly the need for local economies and understanding of your environment. A short book, but enhanced greatly by reproductions of Hubbard's paintings and woodcuts.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a child my Mom, Dad, sister and I visited Harlan and Anna Hubbard by boat. Their lifestyle captured my imagination. I had never considered that there was such a way to live ... without running water or electricity, but with creativity and gentility. They lived "on purpose," the way they set out to live ... but without trying to influence anyone else.
Wendell Berry captures their essence so well in this book, it was like docking on the shore of their Ohio River homestead and walking up the hill, expectantly, again.

[Janet Self · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could have read this beautifully written book twice. Harlan Hubbard was an original and deeply principled. His life story is inspiring. I know I can never even approach the purity with which he lived his life, but his story makes me believe I could do better. It's also exciting to know that Harlan Hubbard grew up right here where I live in Cincinnati, and he spent a good part of his life an hour or so upriver. And I can claim at least regional affiliation with Wendell Berry as he has spent his life in Kentucky. All in all, a book well worth reading.

[Ron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'd never heard of Harlan Hubbard before this book. When I saw it as a Wendell Berry (favorite author) title, I figured it was worth a read. Harland (and his wife) lived a very simple life. It is documented in a couple of books. One major life experience was building a shantyboat and using it to go down the Mississippi River. Harlan was also a painter (some good prints in the book).

[Jim Minick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful and essential.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I was a child we visited Anna and Harlan Hubbard by boat. They made such an impression on me. I had no idea that such a way of living existed ... no electricity or running water, but creativity and gentility. The lived life “on purpose” (the way they decided to), without trying to influence anyone else to do it their way.
Wendell Berry captures them perfectly. I felt as if I was once again pulling up to the shore of their homestead and walking up the hill expectantly.

[Bob Peru · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a thoughtful meditation on the lives of harlan and anna hubbard. mostly about harlan and his paintings and drawings. i would have liked more on their life at payne hollow, but this is a good short summary of 2 american lives purposefully and beautifully lived.

[Marion · Rating 4 out of 5]

You'd be surprised.