A writer of fine intelligence and style, Stephanie Mills is known for her nature essays. This readable and relevant collection selects a handful of those as well as pieces on technological hubris, war resistance, reproductive rights and wrongs, and a sojourn in India. Varied, deep, and often witty, Mills’ writings deal with matters that concern us all.Stephanie Mills lives in northwest lower Michigan. Her most recent book is On Gandhi’s Path: Bob Swann’s Work for Peace and Community Economics (New Society).
“Stephanie Mills has always been on the cutting edge and Tough Little Beauties bears out her obvious position as one of our leading social critics”–Jim Harrison, Returning to Earth
“With candor and sharp writing, Mills follows the higher purpose of awakening those who slumber in indifference over Earth’s ills.” — Foreword Reviews
The uniqueness of Mills’ writing springs from a psychic terrain we might describe as engaged distance. Or maybe it is wonder. At times it appears as irony. And always, equanimity. Whatever the inner residence of this unusual writer might be called, it serves. From it she reminds us that not only are floral beauties fragile and persistent but, despite all and no matter what, we are too.”– Chellis Glendinning is author of Off the Map: An Expedition Deep into Empire and the Global Economy.
Since her galvanic Mills College commencement address in 1969, Stephanie Mills has been speaking, editing, writing, and organizing for ecology and social change. She has produced seven books, including Epicurean Simplicity,Tough Little Beauties, and the recently released On Gandhi’s Path: Bob Swann’s Work for Peace and Community Economics. A longtime bioregionalist and veteran of the Whole Earth publications, Stephanie Mills has written scores of essays and articles appearing in publications from Orion to The Britannica Book of the Year, as well as in numerous anthologies. Active in her community, Mills helped launch a local currency in northwest Lower Michigan, where she has lived since 1984. Featured in the PBS documentary EarthDays, Stephanie Mills holds an honorary doctorate from her alma mater and is a Fellow of the Post Carbon Institute.