Tobacco Harvest: An Elegy

James Baker Hall's photographs and Wendell Berry's essay capture the physical experiences and the shifting nature of humans' relationships with the land and with each other during a Kentucky tobacco harvest. The work provides a glimpse of the high standards and perfectionism required for a good harvest and the heat of the sun, the dirt, and the people hard at work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 102 pages
Publication date: 07 June 2022
Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky

James Baker Hall's captivating photographs transport us to the heart of a Kentucky tobacco harvest, vividly capturing the physical experiences of this intricate process. From the tractor ride out to the vast fields where rows of tobacco stretch towards the horizon, to the meticulous cutting of each individual plant, and finally to the hauling away and housing of the tobacco in the barn, Hall's lens weaves a vivid tapestry of the harvest. Along the way, he offers glimpses into the diverse faces of the process, showcasing the collective effort and camaraderie that characterize this labor-intensive endeavor.

Hall's stunning work is accompanied by an insightful essay by Wendell Berry, a renowned writer and environmentalist. In this essay, Berry delves into the profound changes that have shaped the relationship between humans and the land in Kentucky. He laments the economic, political, and societal transformations that have eroded the rich agricultural traditions of the state. Berry also adds a deeply personal touch, sharing memories of stories told, laughter shared, meals savored, and brief moments of rest and refreshment earned during the arduous harvest.

Tobacco Harvest: An Elegy serves as a poignant reminder of a way of life that has long since vanished. It captures a time before the importation of cheaper tobacco from abroad and the mounting medical and moral concerns against smoking, which nearly brought the tobacco industry to its knees in the United States. Through Berry's words and Hall's photographs, we are granted a glimpse into the high standards and perfectionism required for a successful harvest. We experience the heat of the sun, the dirt, and the hardworking individuals who toil tirelessly under its gaze.

This documentary offers a valuable historical perspective, shedding light on the industry and the people who have been shaped by it. It reminds us of the hard work, dedication, and resilience that are necessary to sustain agricultural traditions and the communities that rely on them. It also raises important questions about the impact of economic development, globalization, and environmental concerns on the rural landscape and the livelihoods of those who inhabit it.

In conclusion, Tobacco Harvest: An Elegy is a remarkable testament to the power of photography and storytelling to capture the essence of a bygone era. Through James Baker Hall's stunning photographs and Wendell Berry's thoughtful essay, we are invited to explore the complexities of human-land relationships, the impact of economic change, and the enduring spirit of rural communities. This documentary serves as a valuable reminder of the importance of preserving our agricultural heritage and the rich cultural traditions that accompany it.

Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813187235