In this first volume of The New Patriotism Series, prolific author Wendell Berry reflects deeply on the current sources of world hope and despair. Berry's powerful "Thoughts in the Presence of Fear", written in response to the September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, originally appeared on OrionOnline, and has since been reprinted in 73 countries and seven languages. Orion has now made it available in print form, along with two related essays by Berry previously published in Orion Magazine. Together, they provide a much-needed road map to a full cultural recovery.

Terrorism. Homeland Security. Patriotism. Since September 11, 2001, these terms have emerged as a fundamental part of our cultural lexicon, with their unsaid assumptions and attendant emotions being used to inspire and buttress a varied set of cultural, political, and military responses to the events of that tragic day. What is terrorism? What does a secure homeland really look like? Who is a patriot? These three essays address these questions.

Wendell Berry and David James Duncan each share their views about the Iraq war in 2 interesting essays.

Terry Tempest Williams presents a sharp-edged perspective on the ethics and politics of place, spiritual democracy, and the responsibilities of citizen engagement. By turns elegiac, inspiring, and passionate, The Open Space of Democracy offers a fresh perspective on the critical questions of our time.