Thomas Berry (1914–2009) was one of the twentieth century’s most prescient and profound thinkers. As a cultural historian, he sought a broader perspective on humanity’s relationship to the earth in order to respond to the ecological and social challenges of our times. This first biography of Berry illuminates his remarkable vision and its continuing relevance for achieving transformative social change and environmental renewal.

Berry began his studies in Western history and religions and then expanded to include Asian and indigenous religions, which he taught at Fordham University, Barnard College, and Columbia University. Drawing on his explorations of history, he came to see the evolutionary process as a story that could help restore the continuity of humans with the natural world. Berry urged humans to recognize their place on a planet with complex ecosystems in a vast, evolving universe. He sought to replace the modern alienation from nature with a sense of intimacy and responsibility. Berry called for new forms of ecological education, law, and spirituality, as well as the creation of resilient agricultural systems, bioregions, and ecocities. At a time of growing environmental crisis, this biography shows the ongoing significance of Berry’s conception of human interdependence with the earth as part of the unfolding journey of the universe.

"A warm celebration of an environmentalist whose ideas are increasingly relevant." - Kirkus Reviews

"A truly magisterial work and magnificent book." - Times Higher Education

"I urge you to pick up this book and read it cover to cover." - Smoky Mountain News

"Thomas Berry: A Biography is essential reading." - Today's American Catholic

"Senior authored by two of his graduate students, the volume thoroughly documents Berry’s sources, experiences, and philosophical positions." - Quarterly Review of Biology

"In this new biography of Thomas Berry, the authors provide a rich, comprehensive narrative of one of the great thinkers of the twentieth century . . . This is an important book at a time when climate change remains politically divisive and global warming continues unabated." - American Catholic Studies

"Every now and again a book comes along that I simply can't put down and one that I've just read through and through is titled Thomas Berry: A Biography." - Psychology Today Animal Emotions Blog

"This biography beautifully shows us the unfolding life of a great religious, philosophical and ecological teacher, one who was also - as I know from direct experience - immensely kind, humorous and generous." - Paradigm Explorer