David G. Haskell
David G. Haskell is an award-winning author of several books related to nature, ecology, and philosophy. A professor of biology and environmental studies at Sewanee: The University of the South, Haskell has written several non-fiction works that aim to bridge the divide between nature, spirit, and science. He has been praised for his innovative approach which seeks to weave together a holistic perspective of interconnectedness and interdependence.
Haskell’s most popular book, The Forest Unseen (2012), is a nearly poetic account of his year of observation in a small Tennessee meadow. Through careful science, in-depth interviews with local specialists, and a deep connection to the land, Haskell surveys the incredible diversity of the meadow’s plants and animals. The book was chosen as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction, and it was awarded the 2014 Reed Environmental Writing Award from the Southern Environmental Law Center.
Haskell’s work takes readers on an exploration of how connections with nature can inform and enrich one’s life. In his spiritual search for meaning, he has used his work to explore the beauty of life and nature, as well as their vulnerability. In his most recent book, Elements: How the Forces that Shape Life are Remaking the American West (2018), he travels to some of the West’s most iconic landscapes and examines how environmental forces influence the land and its inhabitants. Haskell’s accessible approach to nature writing blends scientific detail with personal reflection and serves as a call to action.
In addition to his non-fiction work, Haskell has written several essays, which have appeared in publications including National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Times Literary Supplement. His work has been translated into more than a dozen languages, and he has been awarded fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation and the National Endowment for the Humanities. His June 2020 Harper's magazine essay about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the environment was chosen for one of the "Best American Essays" collections of 2020.
In a world of ever-mounting environmental crises, Haskell stands out as a writer and scholar who remains hopeful. By focusing on beauty, he brings attention to the larger issues of the environment, while reaching out to those still skeptical of nature’s value. Where most see conflict between science and spirituality, Haskell hopes to bridge the gap and engages readers with his careful research and honest vulnerability. In his words, "[Nature] is alive with purpose—shedding light on our struggles to make sense of a mysterious, changing world." Through his work, Haskell is an unwavering advocate for the natural world, and an inspiring writer for the ages.
