A Jar of Wild Flowers: Essays in Celebrati n of John Berger

Celebrating the 90th birthday of John Berger, a Booker Prize–winning novelist, art critic, painter, and poet, editors Gunaratnam (Death and the Migrant) and Chandan (The Parrot, the Horse, and the Man) bring together work from 30 contributors—including actress Julie Christie, director Sally Potter, novelist Ali Smith and journalist Nick Thorpe—in a lively collection that spurs further conversation. Through the wide range of responses to Berger’s expansive oeuvre, readers see admiration of Berger’s genius and the life of the mind, and get a glimpse into how artistic and intellectual communities cross boundaries, challenge injustices, and inspire new ways of seeing and, consequently, being. “John Berger is our conscience keeper,” says Chandan, making the case that Berger’s work calls readers into greater awareness of the world beyond the self and into appreciation of our collective humanity. The book brings together a choir of artistic collaborators, fans, and friends, which is a fitting tribute to someone whose talents run the gamut of intellectual and artistic. Here is a bricolage to celebrate the consummate bricoleur, a collection that—even with its contributors’ significant differences—still coheres in celebration and gratitude. [em](Nov.) [/em]