Poet, critic to speak for Patten Foundation Lecture Series today

Wendell Berry, author of poetry, nonfiction and novels, will read selections of his work at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in Rawles Hall 100 as part of the Patten Foundation Lecture Series.

Berry will also read selections Thursday at the same time and place.

The author will speak as part of the College of Arts and Sciences’ Themester 2010 “sustain•ability: Thriving on a Small Planet” at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Ballantine Hall 013.

Berry received his bachelor’s degree in 1956 from the University of Kentucky and a masters from the same school the following year. He studied and taught in Stanford University’s creative writing program and was a Guggenheim Fellow.

He then taught at both New York University and the University of Kentucky. His most recent book, “Bringing It to the Table: On Farming and Food,” is a look at the rising awareness of the relationship between environmentalism and health.

The Patten Lecture Series, which began in 1937, is the oldest lecture series at IU. It started following an endowment from the William T. Patten Foundation. Patten received his associated bachelor’s degree from IU in 1893.

For more history on Patten and further details on the upcoming lecture series, visit www.patten.indiana.edu.

— Margaret Ely