Michael Berryhill [email protected]
CURRENT POSITION
Associate Professor and Chair of Journalism, School of Communication, Texas Southern University, since fall, 2010.
WORK IN PROGRESS
The Trials of Eroy Brown: the Murder Case that Shook the Texas Prison System, under contract with the University of Texas Press, scheduled for publication fall, 2011.
EDUCATION
Ph.D., American Studies, University of Minnesota. M.A., American Studies, University of Minnesota. A.B., magna cum laude, English, Kenyon College. Houston, Texas public schools.
ACADEMIC POSITIONS
Assistant Professor, Valenti School of Communication, University of Houston, 2006- 2010. (Classes in advanced reporting, opinion writing, social issues in journalism, journalism as literary form) Visiting lecturer, School of Communication, University of Houston, fall 1998. (required upper- division class in mass media) Director of News and Publications, Rice University, 1991-1993. ( taught literary journalism). Visiting Assistant Professor of Journalism, Southern Methodist University, 1979-80. (Introduction to Mass Media, Introduction to Writing) Lecturer, Program in Humanities, University of Houston at Clear Lake, Spring 1979. (Creative writing, modern American poetry) Lecturer, Department of English, University of Houston, Central Campus, Fall 1978 (American literature for foreign students). Fulbright Junior Lecturer in American Literature, University of Lyon II, Lyon, France, 1977-78. (American mass media, American literature) Assistant Professor (1975-77) and Instructor (1974-75), Department of English, Vassar College (creative writing, composition and American literature). Berryhill
PROFESSIONAL POSITIONS
Editorial Director, Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, December 2002-August 2004 Staff writer, Houston Press, 1995-1998 Fine Arts Editor, Houston Chronicle, 1989-91. Editor, Houstonian Magazine (formerly Houston Style) 1985-86. Senior Editor, Houston City Magazine, 1982-1983. Associate Editor, D Magazine, 1981-82. Art critic and general assignments writer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1980-81.
EDITORIAL CONSULTING
Communications consultant, Citizen’s League for Environmental Action Now, Spring 2002. Contributing editor, Ultra Magazine and Superconductor World Report, 1987-88. Consulting editor, ancillary publications, Houston Business Journal,1987-88. Consulting editor, California Business Magazine, Los Angeles, April- November, 1987. Consultant, July 1986-April 1987, Houston Business Journal and Phoenix Business Journal. Writing coach, Houston Chronicle, April 1984-August 1985.
FREELANCE WRITING
The New Republic, The New York Times Magazine, Journal of Art, Harper’s, Sports Illustrated, The Texas Observer, Vogue, Audubon Magazine, The Economist, Southern Magazine, Houston Home & Garden, Time, Houston Press, Houston Life, Houston Style, Cite, Houston City Magazine, Houston Home & Garden, Houston Post, Houston Business Journal, The Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, Dallas-Fort Worth Home & Garden, InBetween Magazine, The Quill, United Airlines Magazine, Ultra, USA Today.
GRANTS
QEP grant to develop undergraduate course in environmental writing. $5000 for digital support services and research materials to conduct a study of a Texas bay system, spring 2010.
Senior Media Fellow, the Open Society Institute, New York for research on book on Eroy Brown, 2001-2002. ($55,000)
Investigative Reporters and Editors, research grant for article on Jasper murder trials, published as “Prisoner’s Dilemma, Did the Texas penal system kill James Byrd?” cover story for The New Republic, December 27, 1999. ($3,000)
WRITING AWARDS
“Death of a Poet” reprinted in the anthology, D Magazine’s Dallas: the 30 Greatest Stories Every Told, a collection of the best stories printed the magazine’s 30-year history.
Gold Medal for Nature Feature, International Regional Magazine Association, 2004 “The Whooper’s Table,” Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, July 2003.
2 Berryhill
“Print Journalist of the Year,” Press Club of Houston, 1996.
First Amendment Award for journalistic excellence, Houston Trial Lawyers Association, 1995.
“Katie” award for Major Market Newspapers- Specialty Feature, from Press Club of Dallas, for “The Fight to Save the Katy Prairie,” 1994.
Media awards for environmental writing, Sierra Club and Houston chapter of Audubon Society, for “The Fight to Save the Katy Prairie,” 1994.
The Washington Monthly Journalism Award for political writing for the article, “Fast Track,” a study of Houston’s rail transit plans, in April 1983 Houston City Magazine.
Stanley Walker Journalism Award, 1981, from the Texas Institute of Letters, for the best journalistic writing in newspaper, magazine or book form. For the article, “The Death of a Poet,” in November 1981, D Magazine.
EDITING AWARDS
“Maggie” award, Best Special Theme Issue, Consumer Magazine, from Western Publishing Association, for April 2003 Issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine on Texas bays.
“Maggie” award, Best Regional and State Magazine, from Western Publishing Association, for July 2004 Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.
Gold Medal, Special Focus Issue, International Regional Magazine Association, for July 2004 Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine.
LECTURES, SEMINARS, PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
Organized and led a panel discussion on Houston alternative media in the 1970s and ‘80s for The Museum of Printing History in conjunction with its exhibit on Houston’s alternative media, May 20, 2010.
Organized a panel, “The Texas Writ Writer Revolution: The Conflicted Legacy of Ruiz v. Estelle,” for the Law & Society Conference, Denver, May 2009. Discussant was Prof. Malcolm Feeley of Princeton University. Panelists included Robert Perkinson of the University of Hawaii, Robert Chase of Southern Methodist University, and Susanne Mason, producer of the PBS documentary, “Writ Writer.” Presented a paper on Eroy Brown.
Presented a paper, “The Trials of Eroy Brown, The Trials of Eroy Brown: Newspapers and the Narrative of a Slave Revolt” at the 29th Annual Conference on Intercultural Communication at Texas Southern University, April 2008.
Attended one-day workshop on narrative writing taught by Pulitzer Prize-winning feature writer Tom Hallman, Jr. of the The Oregonian. Sponsored by the Society for Professional Journalists.
3 Berryhill
Attended Computer Assisted Reporting “Boot Camp” at University of Missouri, for one week of intensive training with Investigative Reporters and Editors, August 2006.
“What Editors Look For,” panel discussion on freelancing for Poynter Institute Writers’ Conference, San Antonio, May 2004.
Judge, nonfiction category, Barthelme Memorial Fellowships, Creative Writing Program, University of Houston, fall 1994.
“American Studies beyond Academia,” panel chair, for the conference, American Studies after 50 Years: Retrospective and Prospect at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, October 22, 1994.
“The Art of Literary Nonfiction, A Writer’s Workshop,” Inprint, fall 1994.
“The Art of Literary Nonfiction,” lecture course, Rice University Continuing Studies, Winter, 1994.
“The Art of Literary Nonfiction: A Writer’s Workshop,” Rice University Continuing Studies, summer 1994.
“Techniques of Literary Nonfiction,” undergraduate seminar, Department of English, Rice University, spring semester, 1993.
Juror, Creative Artist Program competition, The Cultural Arts Council of Houston, 1992.
“Fact and Fiction, A Writers’ Series,” Tyler Museum of Art, Tyler, Texas, September 1987.
“The Freelancer’s Life,” a talk for the Galveston Press Club, July 1987.
“The Writer as Journalist,” panel chair for Associated Writing ProgramsAnnual Meeting, Austin, April 1987.
“Newsroom Management,” a talk for Houston Chapter of SDX, March 1987.
Writing Seminars for the Houston Chronicle, Houston Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
Lecturer, Poynter Institute for Media Studies, St. Petersburg, Florida, February 1984.
Mississippi Press Association, Jackson, Mississippi, March 1985 and February 1984.
Moderator, Environmental Issues Forum, University of Houston at Clear Lake, December 1983.
4 Berryhill
Organized and chaired nonfiction panel for Associated Writing Program annual meeting, Boston, April 1982.
Texas Press Institute, Southern Methodist University, June 1981.
Baylor University Summer Writing Institute, July 1980.
“Transcendentalism and Symbolic Consciousness,” lecture at Universities of Grenoble and Toulouse, France, 1978.
“Berryman and Some Problems of Hamlet,” lecture at St. Cloud State College, Minnesota, 1975.
SERVICE FOR THE VALENTI SCHOOL, UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
Elected chair of the Policy Committee, 2008-2009.
Served on Undergraduate Curriculum Committee, 2007-2010.
Informal development work with Valenti School director Beth Olson.
In fall 2006, I brought the New Yorker writer Lawrence Wright, author of The Looming Tower, Al Qaeda and the Road to 9/11, to campus. Wright talked to the approximately 80 students in two long talks. His book won the Pulitzer Prize for nonfiction later that year.
Recruited Chase Davis, the computer assisted reporting (CAR) expert for the Houston Chronicle to teach an undergraduate class in CAR in fall, 07.
Represented the school at the Texas Press Association annual meeting in Houston. Staffed booth and met with Texas newspaper editors and publishers to tell them about our students. Established contact with Wanda Davis, newly appointed professor in publishing at the University of Texas.
Advisory board member of Inprint, a nonprofit group that supports the creative writing program at the University of Houston and literary programs throughout the city.
Advisory committee member for the First Amendment Award for the Houston Trial Lawyers Association. The association honors journalists for their work and brings a journalist with a national reputation to Houston. This April, the speaker will be Thomas Ricks, Washington Post reporter and author of a history of the Iraq war, "Fiasco."
Member of Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE), an national organization of professional and academic journalists dedicated to furthering investigative journalism.
Spoke on history of journalism, ethics and the Internet to a delegation of Chinese journalists visiting the university in May 2007.
Spoke again to Chinese newspaper delegation in fall 2008.
5 Berryhill
“Small newspapers, the Internet and hyper-localism,” talk for the Texas Gulf Coast Press Association Convention, May 17, 2007 with Kathy Walt, former Houston Chronicle reporter and special assistant for communications for Gov. Rick Perry.
Spoke on feature writing to class at Sam Houston State University on July 26, 2007 at the invitation of Mike Blackman, former editor of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram and holder of Philip G. Warner chair in journalism.
With the help of instructor Youmei Liu’s web design class, created a website called The Writer’s Craft to post tips on writing. The address is: http://osx.soc.uh.edu/~writercraft/index.html
Coordinated visit of journalist and novelist John L’Antigua of Miami to classes in literary journalism and feature writing. Spring 2007
Coordinated all-day conference by the American Press Institute on November 30, 2007. The API is a national professional organization that is addressing the digital revolution in newspapers. The conference brought API’s national experts on transforming newsrooms to campus at the library. It was attended by approximately seventeen professionals from Texas newspapers, including the Houston Chronicle and the San Antonio Express News. Fifteen UH students, including the editors of the Daily Cougar attended.
Joined board of Texas Watchdog, a web-based, nonprofit organization that produces investigative journalism, fall, 2008. Texas Watchdog has gone on to win statewide and national recognition.
Created a blog, Journalism at the University of Houston, to post job tips, writing tips and news about the media, beginning September 2009. http://uhjournalism.wordpress.com/
University Service
Served as ex-officio member of the Student Publications Committee, representing the Valenti School, 2009.
Appointed as voting member for the Student Publications Committee, spring 2010
Hosted a table for the University of Houston’s Honor College fundraiser, The 18th Annual Great Conversations gala, on the topic, “The Decline of Newspapers and the Threat to Democracy,” April 7, 2010.
Serve as advisory board member of Inprint, the foundation to support the literary arts in Houston.
6 Berryhill
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS OF MICHAEL BERRYHILL
ENVIRONMENTAL WRITING
Commissioned to write five essays for the Houston Atlas of Biodiversity: “The Wonder of Migration,” “Piney Woods,” “Columbia Bottomlands,” “Post Oak Savannahs” and “Prairie Systems.” The atlas was created by the nonprofit group, Houston Wilderness, and was published in 2006 by Texas A&M University Press.
BROADCAST JOURNALISM
“The Lucifer Effect: Episode #2268” for “The Engines of Our Ingenuity,” radio essay about the toxicity of prisons. KUHF
“Organizing for Disaster, Episode #2243” for “The Engines of Our Ingenuity,” radio essay about how New Orleans firefighters successfully responded to Hurricane Katrina. KUHF
MAJOR MAGAZINE ARTICLES
“The View from the Fifth Ward, “ a visit to a historic black neighborhood on presidential election night, The Texas Observer, November 14, 2008.
“Business as Usual: With hurricane insurance, the public always pays,” Cite, The Architecture and Design Review of Houston, #71, published by the Rice Design Alliance, summer 2007.
“The Last Birds of the Hunt, Renowned wildlife artist Herb Booth and friends explore the fine art of walking, talking and stalking,” Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, February 2005.
“Among the Clouds, In the forested mountains 250 miles south of Brownsville, El Cielo is a birder’s paradise,” Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, May 2005.
“The Whooper’s Table, Nourished by the Guadalupe River, San Antonio Bay feeds the central coast, including the endangered whooping crane,” Texas Parks & Wildlife magazine, July 2003.
“Prescription for Growth: The Texas Medical Center Plans Its Expansion,” Cite, The Architecture and Design Review of Houston, #47, Spring 2000.
“Brought to you by the Texas Prison System: Why Jasper Happened,” The New Republic, December 27, 1999
“Crusade to Save the Katy,” A wildlife sanctuary outside Houston would create lasting economic value. Audubon, November-December 1994.
“The View from the Rock Chair,” A painter looks at Big Bend,” how painter Earl Staley brings back the view, Texas Magazine, Houston Chronicle, November 28, 1990.
7 Berryhill
“The Pompon War,” feature on the companies that run summer cheerleading camps, Southern Magazine, December 1987.
“The Baptist Schism,” the feud over Biblical inerrancy among the Southern Baptists, The New York Times Magazine, June 9, 1987.
“Holy Smoke,” the Southern Baptist convention, The Economist, June 22, 1987.
“One Man’s Ecology,” profile of an old fisherman’s feud with change in Galveston Bay, Texas Sportsworld, May 1985.
“Leon Hale: Portrait of a Texas Artist,” profile of Houston’s best-known newspaper columnist, Houston Style, March 1985.
“Throws Left, Thinks Right,” profile of a major-league pitcher who joined the John Birch Society, Texas Sportsworld, January 1985
“How the Rich Got Richer in Texas,” cover story on the abuse of industrial revenue bonds, Reason, December 1984.
“The Leading Edge, The Role of Today’s Navy Pilot,” cover story, New York Times Magazine, November 23, 1984.
“Policing the Port of Entry,” how customs officers patrol for cocaine smugglers in Galveston, InBetween, June 1984.
“Blue Suits and Star Wars,” the militarization of space exploration, three-part series for InBetween, February 1984.
“Autumn Hills Update,” the attempt to prosecute the corporate officers of a nursing home for murder, with Chad Gordon, Houston City Magazine, January 1984.
“Railroading the Cities: The Billion-Dollar Boondoggle that Can’t Beat the Bus,” Harper’s Magazine, December 1983.
“Fast Track: Where is the MTA Taking Us?” critical study of Houston’s rail transit plans, Houston City Magazine, April 1983.
“The Big Breakup,” divorce in Houston, Houston City Magazine, November 1982.
“Crime Wave,” a study of violent crime in Houston, Houston City Magazine, October 1982.
“City Hall Report Card,” evaluation of Dallas city council, D Magazine, May 1982.
“The Death of a Poet,” human-interest piece, D Magazine, November 1981.
8 Berryhill
MAJOR FEATURES FOR THE HOUSTON PRESS
“Critical Diagnosis. If you think your HMO is bad, check out what Texas has created for its prison inmates.” January 22, 1998.
“Back to Milby. It’s not the perfect school, but it’s my school. Still.” October 9, 1997.
“Juvenile Injustice? When 17-year-old Rodney Hulin hanged himself in a Texas prison, he became a poster boy for those opposed to mixing young inmates with older ones. If only his story were that simple.” August 7, 1997.
“Road Hogs. For Congressman Tom DeLay’s younger brother Randy, the I-69 Nafta Highway has been paved with gold.” May 22, 1997.
“What’s Wrong with Wheatley? It has history, it has heritage. But does Wheatley High School have a real future?” April 17, 1997.
“Naturalist Born Thrillers. Butterflies are nature’s floorshow—and the Natural Science Museum’s cash cow. John Watts’ job is to keep the performers alive and flitting.” September 26, 1996.
“Trouble Shooter for the Millennium. Suddenly, as the year 2000 approaches, Phillip Arnold’s study of first-century apocalyptic Christians is more than a scholarly pursuit.” July 18, 1996.
“The Money Game. Block Trading’s Chris Block and Jeff Burke have a tip for the old guys in the stock market: Watch out for your profits, the SOES bandits are coming.” June 13, 1996.
“Ritalin Kids. Legal and growing in popularity, Ritalin is seen by some schools as a cure for unruly students, But is it wise drug use—or just drug abuse?” January 10, 1996.
“Bitter Lesson. For 27 years, math teacher Phyllis Landers had a spotless record. Then the Texas Education Agency accused her of making racist remarks, and nearly ruined her school and her life.” May 9, 1996.
“Swinish Behavior. Texas A&M’s attempt to push an animal research center on a black neighborhood has raised a sour smell in College Station.” March 14, 1996.
“The Exterminator. As a businessman, Sugar Land’s Tom DeLay killed bugs. As a congressman, he’d like to kill the environmental regulations that have kept our air, ground and water clean.” Nov. 23, 1995.
“Pity Me! When Marinus Van Leuzen was forced to fix the marsh around his home, he became a poster boy for property rights activists. But does he really deserve our sympathy?” October 5, 1995.
9 Berryhill
“Gayle Force. Superintendents come and go, but teachers union boss Gayle Fallon remains a power in Houston’s public schools. And her influence is growing.” August 31, 1995.
“Helpless Hands. GCCS was supposed to help the poor. But after letting $15 million in anti- poverty funds slip away, the question is whether it can help anyone—even itself.” August 3, 1995.
“Born on the Bayou. From the Allens to today, Buffalo Bayou has helped define the city of Houston. Now, after decades of abuse, it may finally be making a comeback as an urban resource. If, that is, we don’t blow our chance.” May 25, 1995.
“A Matter of Faith. Robert Campbell always said God provides. But he knew that God could use a little help.” April 13, 1995.
“The Terminator of TSU, Last year, Joann Horton was hired to head Texas Southern University. Now the question is: will she save it, or destroy it?” October 6, 1994.
“The Battle for Lavaca Bay. After decades of neglect, mercury dumping and plastics plant pollution, one citizen says: Enough.” May 19, 1994.
“Hard Times at the Ballet,” When the dancers of the Houston Ballet learned their artistic director had been forced into a medical leave, they had to wonder: were there problems ahead?” March 31, 1994.
“The Fight to Save the Katy Prairie. Development endangers the winter refuge of millions of migrating birds to the west of Houston. January 20, 1994.
PERSONAL ESSAYS
“Most Evenings,” an essay about living on the coast, published in Falling From Grace in Texas, A Literary Response to the Demise of Paradise, edited by Rick Bass and Paul Christensen, Wings Press, San Antonio, 2004
“The boy who saved pecan pie,” Houston Chronicle, December 24, 1989. Reprinted in State Lines, ed. Ken Hammond, a collection of essays from the Chronicle’s Sunday magazine essay series, Texas A&M Press, 1993.
“East End boys,” Houston Chronicle, July 16, 1989.
“Texas, A Special Report,” personal essay about coming home to Texas, Vogue, August 1986.
“Journalism, Alternative to Teaching,” Associated Writing Programs Newsletter, February 1983.
“The Return of a Writer to His College and Home,” personal essay about teaching writing, Kenyon College Alumni Bulletin, Summer 1982.
10 Berryhill
“Dreaming in Landscapes,” personal essay about landscape painting, D Magazine, October 1981.
“Home is Where the Heart Is: Once an American Dream Neighborhood, Park Place Still Represents the Old-Fashioned Values,” Houston City Magazine, June 1979.
“The Inner Game of Hunting,” the mystique of quail hunting, Houston City Magazine, February 1979.
LITERARY JOURNALISM
“Wild to Write,” Sunday magazine profile of nature and fiction writer Rick Bass, Houston Chronicle, September 22, 1991.
“Obsessed with Chinese, author, actor moves gracefully through life,” profile of writer Mark Saltzman, Houston Chronicle, March 27, 1991.
“Latin America’s Nobel winners have influenced peers to north,” Houston Chronicle, October 12, 1990
“Veterinarian-writer published by an NEA supported press,” Lionel Garcia and Arte Publico Press, Houston Chronicle, July 1, 1990
“No fear, no loathing, no sound: Thompson slips into the night,” review of reading by Hunter S. Thompson, Houston Chronicle, June 15, 1990.
“His legal woes behind him, gonzo journalist to talk here,” advance on appearance by Hunter S. Thompson, Houston Chronicle, June 10, 1990
“A Book that Counts,” Sunday magazine profile of short story writer Annette Sanford, Houston Chronicle, January 28, 1990.
“The drama of the Other, For poet and translator Richard Howard, art isn’t all about the self,” Houston Chronicle, November 5, 1989.
“Donald Barthelme: serious writer at play, Late author remembered for his wry, surreal stories and his work as teacher,” Zest magazine profile, Houston Chronicle, September 24, 1989.
“Author Barthelme dies here of cancer at age 58,” front-page obituary, Houston Chronicle, July 24, 1989.
“John Henry Faulk, The controversial humorist is still telling stories that bite,” Texas Magazine profile, Houston Chronicle, July 7, 1989
“Kids’ creative efforts aren’t written off by program,” story about Writers in the Schools, Houston Chronicle, May 19, 1989.
11 Berryhill
“The Lede and the Swan,” essay on the teaching of writing, The Quill, March 1983.
“Literary Locus: UH’s Writing Program Aims for the Top,” Houston City Magazine, March 1983.
“John Berryman: a memoir on the death of a poet,” The Dallas Morning News, January 10, 1982.
“Appearing Literate,” essay about the reissuance of the American literary classics, D Magazine, September 1981.
“Writers discuss their careers,” interviews at annual meeting of Associated Writing Programs, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, March 16, 1980.
“Biographer looks outside in quest for the inner life,” story on Leon Edel, Fort Worth Star- Telegram, November, 1980.
“‘Ginsberg’ tells who Allen is,” profile of the famous Beat poet, Fort Worth Star Telegram , September 24, 1980.
“Texas writers don’t ever forget where they came from,” Texas writers can’t stop writing about their home state, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, April 1980.
“Guests shed literary shadow for SMU festival audiences,” essay on writers’ festival, The Dallas Morning News, November 18, 1979.
BOOK REVIEWS
“Trying to know the real Barthelme,” Houston Chronicle, review of Hiding Man, by Tracy Daugherty, biography of Donald Barthelme, February 15, 2009.
“100 Years of Texas oil history: Story of wretched (and admired) excess is told through the lives of four icons of the industry,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Big Rich, by Bryan Burrough, January 30, 2009.
“Heavyweight battle: Taking on the Trust sheds light on fight over Standard Oil,” Houston Chronicle, review of Taking on the Trust, by Steve Weinberg, April 10, 2008.
“Loving and living with Rachel: Mother writes of the challenges of dealing with an adult mentally retarded daughter,” Houston Chronicle, review of Rachel in the World, by Jane Bernstein, December 9, 2007.
“Of crime and punishment: Understanding prisons and demons,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Lucifer Effect by Philip Zimbardo and American Furies by Sasha Abramsky, August 10, 2007.
12 Berryhill
“Less a marsh than a quagmire: Running Iraqi province unexpectedly difficult for young Scotsman,” Houston Chronicle review of The Prince of the Marshes, by Rory Stewart, November 3, 2006.
“A convict confronts himself: A little boy comes in a vision, bringing redemption on paper,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Man Who Outgrew His Prison Cell: Confessions of a Bank Robber by Joe Loya, October 17, 2004
“A sailor’s not-always-lonely life on a speck of rock,” Houston Chronicle, review of Selkirk’s Island by Diana Souhami, March 17, 2002.
“Bared thoughts on executions,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Last Face You’ll Ever See by Ivan Solotaroff, and Have a Seat, Please, by Don Reid with John Gurwell, November 4, 2001.
“A tasty slice of squalid, hypocritical life,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Columnist by Jeffrey Frank, August 19, 2001.
“A conqueror conquered: Texas historian tells the story of La Salle’s doomed venture,” Houston Chronicle, review of The Wreck of the Belle, the Ruin of La Salle by Robert S. Weddle, June 2001.
“Sentence: eight hours to life, ‘Guard’ can’t quite chip way into prison,” Houston Chronicle, review of Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing by Ted Conover, May 21, 2000.
“The poet of Ganado: Annette Sanford gathers more stories from the Coastal Bend,” Houston Chronicle, review of Crossing Shattuck Bridge: Stories by Annette Sanford, February 20, 2000.
“What the Barthelmes lost: Brothers recount their love of gambling – and its price,” Houston Chronicle, review of Double Down: Reflections Gambling and Loss by Frederick and Steven Barthelme, December 12, 1999.
“An outward voyage inward: Jonathan Raban takes to sea again to search himself,” Houston Chronicle, review of Passage to Juneau, A Sea and Its Meanings, by Jonathan Raban, November 21, 1999.
“Prison writer cuts bars, turns to fiction,” Houston Chronicle, review of Hadrian’s Walls by Robert Draper, May 23, 1999.
“Bass hunts black gold: His fans finally get a novel from the former Houstonian,” Houston Chronicle, review of Where the Sea Used to Be, by Rick Bass, July 26, 1998.
“Flawed ‘Sicily’ gets the mood, skips the news,” Houston Chronicle, review of Midnight in Sicily: On Art, Food, History, Travel and La Cosa Nostra, by Peter Robb, June 14, 1998.
“Fabled men: Passionate, unremitting heroes drive Rick Bass’ powerful myths,” Houston Chronicle, review of Platte River by Rick Bass, March 20, 1994.
13 Berryhill
“Mencken’s journal: His anti-Semitism was no surprise,” Houston Chronicle, February 4, 1990.
“Balancing the scales on World War II: Paul Fussell looks at the reality,” Houston Chronicle, September 24, 1989.
“Lopate’s essays: at his best when telling us stories about himself,” Houston Chronicle, September 10, 1989.
“A Briton in America: roaming the U.S. from Alabama to Seattle,” Houston Chronicle, August 8, 1991
“Principles of the write stuff,” review of Writing to Learn, by William Zinsser, Houston Post, July 10, 1988.
“Updike: ashrams, gurus, age of enlightenment,” Review of S., a novel by John Updike, Houston Post, March 13, 1988.
“The not-so-tamed frontier,” review of Shoshone Mike, a novel by Frank Bergon, Houston Post, January 3, 1987.
“The CIA agent who chose to put himself out into the cold,” review of On the Run by Phillip Agee, Houston Post, August 9, 1987.
“Fallout from the Autumn Hills nursing home murder case,” review of Death without Dignity by Steven Long, Dallas Morning News, July 19, 1987.
“Love, fame and problems: a Berryman biography,” The Dallas Morning News, June 13, 1987
“Notable, new works from two Texas poets,” review of books by Naomi Nye and Reginald Gibbons, The Dallas Morning News, June 13, 1982.
“Stories of the prison that is one’s own house,” review of Laura Furman’s The Glass House, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, November 23, 1980.
THEATER REVIEWS
“Fatal Attraction,” review of Houston Grand Opera production of Carmen, Houston Press, November 3, 1994.
“The Comfort of Friends: Rebecca Udden shines in Joined at the Head, Houston Press, October 13, 1994.
“Mirth and Murder, Curtains Theater takes a droll look at the ‘40s,” Houston Press, September 29, 1994.
14 Berryhill
“Going One-on-One with God, Illumnati muses on the Almighty and basketball, with mixed results,” Houston Press, September 8, 1994.
“Communist Comedy, Main Street takes Charles Busch’s Red-baiting spoof over the top,” Houston Press, August 15, 1994.
“Living by the Numbers, Breaking the Code delves into the mathematics of the human heart,” Houston Press, November 24, 1994.
MAGAZINE ESSAYS
“The View from the Fifth Ward,” presidential election night in a historic black neighborhood, The Texas Observer, November 2008
“Cycles of the City,” essay about Houston’s economic decline, The Texas Observer, May 29, 1987.
“A Vision for Houston,” a call to quit complaining about the bad news reports on Houston, Houstonian, June 1986.
“Guardian of the City,” how the Tax Research Association asks hard questions about public finances, Houstonian, May 1986.
“Compassionate Truths,” what a photography exhibition has to say to Houstonians about themselves, Houstonian, April 1986.
“The Jailing of Betty Sullivan,” tolerating dissent is a mark of a city’s maturity, Houston Style, March 1986.
“The Politics of Rail Transit,” a call for a cost-effectiveness study of Metro’s rail plans, Houston Style, February 1986.
“The Politics of Art,” a defense of the National Endowment for the Arts against the attack of a local politician, Houston Style, December 1985.
“Too Little Care,” the failure of the state to enforce nursing home regulations, Houston Style, January 1986.
“Two Births,” the adjustments of the Houston economy down at the docks, Houston Style, November 1985.
“Houston’s Styles,” how Houston’s spirit of free enterprise has preserved it through crisis, Houston Style, October 1985.
15 Berryhill
NEWSPAPER OPINION PIECES
“Judge Justice showed courage in prison ruling” op-ed piece upon the death of federal judge William Wayne Justice, Houston Chronicle, October 24, 2010.
“Bugs Bunny has a new job, Time Warner Inc. seems determined to turn the insouciant subversive of the cartoon world into a mere spokesrabbit,” Houston Chronicle, June 24, 1990.
“No lack of ironies in NEA funding fight,” Houston Chronicle, October 1, 1989.
“Behind us may be the shape of things to come,” perspective on the turn of the decade and the upcoming turn of the century, Houston Chronicle, January 1, 1990.
“Should the Metro plan be approved? No: The rail idea is a boondoggle,” editorial on Metro referendum, Houston Post, January 11, 1988.
“Is light rail the answer for Houston? No, it’s just a pipe dream of technocrats,” Houston Post, October 22, 1987.
“The Bakkers just imitate our society,” editorial about evangelists Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker, Houston Post, May 30, 1987.
“A taxing debate over academic tenure,” commentary about proposal to abolish tenure in the state university system, Houston Business Journal, September 8, 1986.
“Buses only way for Houston to travel,” editorial about mass transit, Houston Post, January 15, 1984.
“Hyatt has a mixed decor,” comments on the renovation of the Hotel Texas, Fort Worth Star- Telegram, January 18, 1981.
“The passive personality,” comments on the Richard Allen affair, The Dallas Morning News, December 17, 1981.
“Prisons vs. inmates: which are criminal?” perspective piece on the rulings of federal judge William Wayne Justice, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, February 8, 1981.
“Bill McLean—an artist trying to survive,” commentary on an artist who panicked a crowd with a bomb threat, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, May 24, 1981.
“The Future of Fort Worth,” essay on Fort Worth’s future reflected in its architecture, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, August 24, 1980.
16 Berryhill
ARTS WRITING IN MAGAZINES AND CATALOGUES
“Conjure Man. Texas-based sculptor James Surls returns to the elemental to rebuild the world,” Journal of Art, Summer, 1991.
“Houston’s Corporate Angels,” survey of corporate support of the arts, Ultra, July 1987.
“The Wortham’s World Premiere,” the opening of Houston’s new performing arts center, Ultra, May 1987.
“Canvasing the Desert, Artistic Inspiration in El Paso,” Ultra, February 1987.
“The Remote Rooms of Joseph Glasco,” catalogue essay for Joseph Glasco retrospective, Contemporary Arts Museum, Houston, Spring, 1986.
“Pleasures of the Mind,” essay on the collages of Joseph Glasco, Houstonian, June 1986.
“Earl Staley, A Painter Comes to the Opera,” a Houston painter designs sets for the Houston Grand Opera, Houstonian, December 1985.
“Spanish Still-Life Exhibition at Kimbell Museum,” Dallas-Fort Worth Home &Garden, May 1985.
“Lone Star Regionalism,” exhibition of Texas painters at the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas-Fort Worth Home & Garden, February 1985.
“The New Nude,” catalogue essay for exhibition by Texas painters and sculptors, the Midtown Art Center, Houston, January 1985.
“The Singular Vision of James Surls,” profile of a Texas sculptor, Houston Home & Garden, December 1984.
“A Broadening Palette for Dallas Art,” survey of the Dallas art scene, Ultra, October 1984.
“Conservators of Art,” how conservators preserve and restore art, Ultra, September 1984.
“Roy Fridge’s voyage of discovery,” profile of south Texas sculptor, Ultra, August 1984.
“To Bid or Not to Bid,” the world of art auctions, Ultra, May 1984.
“Colorful Iconoclast,” profile of Houston painter Earl Staley, Ultra, March 1984.
“American Timepieces: A Narrow Perspective Opens at the Amon Carter,” review of private collection of 19th century American art, D Magazine, May 1982.
17 Berryhill
“Museums on the Make,” profiles of Fort Worth’s Kimbell Art, D Magazine, April 1982
SELECTED NEWSPAPER WRITING ABOUT THE ARTS
Houston Chronicle
“NEA’s famous rejects, Gay artists come ‘Out’ in Houston,” May 5, 1991.
“Dancer blends theater into his work,” April 21, 1991.
“UH writing program gets $1 million grant,” March 28, 1991.
“MFA buys Eakins painting, 1905 portrait depicts banker,” March 20, 1991 . “The Cost of Culture: The arts are a growth industry in Houston. But more public money is needed, say arts supports. City officials ponder where the money will come from. And where it will go.” (with Charles Ward) Dec. 16, 1990.
“Nature Portraits, Artist canvasses for conservation,” profile of wildlife artist Robert Bateman, November 28, 1990.
“NEA official sees hope in a compromise bill,” September 18, 1990.
“Poetry fellowship aids graduate student at UH,” July 1, 1990.
“Human Monsters, Leon Golub reflects life in chilling works,” July 3, 1990.
“NEA money and the arts in Houston, Local recipients of federal funds range from icons of cultural establishment to jazz musicians in public schools” (with Charles Ward and Patricia Johnson) July 1, 1990.
“Eastern Europe arts groups must face new roles,” May 9, 1990.
“John Henry Faulk, 1913-90, Friends gather to give champion of the First Amendment a fond farewell,” April 22, 1990.
“Tempestuous Flamenco from LA, Passionate dancing in El Rincon Andaluz,” March 22, 1990.
“Literary arts take center stage, Ball benefits writing program,” February 20, 1990.
“Ladysmith Black Mambazo sings spirit of peace,” February 24, 1990.
“‘In the Blood’ is a film about hunting, not killing,” February 14, 1990.
“Things of beauty, PBS series superbly presents art in context,” October 10, 1989.
18 Berryhill
“Welcome to the village, Museum’s kids choose Africa for new exhibit,” September 15, 1989.
“Rally targets arts censorship,” September 12, 1989.
“When a hunter and artists paints what he knows,” wildlife artist Herb Boothe, August 17, 1989.
“Monotypes reveal individuality, versatility of artists,” June 9, 1989.
“Political pop opera proves popular for populace in land of pyramids,” April 3, 1989.
“Arts lobbyists put bed tax issue to rest,” March 21, 1989.
“Egyptian Good Will, ‘Showboat’ leaves Egypt, but melody of friendship lingers on,” March 11, 1989.
“HGO’s ‘Showboat’ a hot ticket in Cairo,” February 28, 1989.
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
“When Texans view Texas Art,” a New York gallery displays Texas artists, June 14, 1981.
“German painters and romantic enterprises,” review of German romantic painting at New York’s Metropolitan Museum, June, 1981.
“A select 1,200 bid on the best of the west,” feature on Houston’s Western Heritage sale of cattle, horses and art, May 1981.
“Mysterious texts in muted colors,” review of contemporary painter Arthur France, May 17, 1981.
“Texas crafts at DMFA,” review, May 3, 1981.
“Jamie Wyeth and John Chumley, Realists, both, but different realities,” joint review of two painters, April 1981.
“More to a painting than just its name,” essay on Cezanne’s “Peasant in a Blue Smock,” April 1981.
“Dada born of WWI horror,” feature on Dadaist art at Fort Worth Art Museum, March 15, 1981.
“Trials aren’t tribulation for artist Gary Myrick,” a courtroom artist has an art show, March 6, 1981.
“A mystery unraveled at Kimbell,” feature on Italian triptych, December 1980.
19 Berryhill
“Bringing the ‘Bronze Age’ to Texas,” feature on massive show of Chinese art, November 30, 1980.
“Kimbell’s search prudent process,” how the Kimbell Art Museum found its new director, September 7, 1980.
“The artists of the Ice Age,” feature on a Cro-Magnon art, February 10, 1980.
“Alvar Aalto, A tribute to a great imagination,” exhibition of the Finnish architect’s work, January 25, 1980.
SELECTED STORIES, FORT WORTH STAR-TELEGRAM
“National group may target Wright, Bentsen,” conservative NCPAC takes on Texas politicians, March 237, 1981.
“Trial lawyers called ‘endangered species,’” interview with plaintiff’s attorney Warren Burnett, February 25, 1981.
“Pawnshop is dropping gun trade,” Rocky Goldstein sold John Hinckley the gun with which President Reagan was shot, April 1, 1981.
“Mrs. Oswald lived in fear,” obituary of the mother of President Kennedy’s assassin, January 19, 1981.
“Medical licensing major health issue facing Legislature,” for legislative outlook section, December 29, 1980.
“Close friends, legally blind, shot to death,” breaking news story of a double homicide, December 16, 1980.
“Christmas goes up in flames,” feature on a handicapped man whose apartment was destroyed, December, 1980.
“The ‘A Train’ stops here, Profiles on Fort Worth’s jazz scene,” December 6, 1980.
“In search of the perfect wine,” a tour of Dallas wine bars, November 14, 1980.
“Victims recover cash, shoot suspect in a real-life drama,” breaking crime story, November 13, 1980.
“McKenna continues to print Hall story,” mudslinging in a state legislative campaign, November 2, 1980.
“Battle in Fifth District also intense,” Jim Mattox vs. Tom Pauken in heated campaign for state legislature, November 1, 1980.
20 Berryhill
“Gun course is sure-shot success,” profile of shotgun expert Bill Yeatts, sports section, October 18, 1980.
“TWC names Fuller adjunct professor,” profile of Buckminister Fuller, October 15, 1980.
“Dallasites scrambling for rides,” effects of transit strike, October 2, 1980.
“Football pool comes up loser,” owner of small store arrested for gambling, September 14, 1980.
“Dispatchers keep patrols on the move,” feature on police dispatchers, September 13, 1980.
“Judges testify some police file false charges,” front-page story on tendency of police to file resisting-arrest charges on people they injure, August 13, 1980.
“Crash leads to surgery for officer,” profile of injured motorcycle policeman, July 30, 1980.
“Dispute taxes small-town image of Sansom Park,” profile of the difficulties of a suburban town, June 29, 1980.
“Park trees are only roof they have,” tale of a down-and-out couple, June 18, 1980.
“Tears end years of GOP service,” Mary Crisp resigns after Republicans reject the ERA, July 14, 1980.
“Misunderstood soft drink has peppery history,” the story of Dr Pepper, May 1980.
“Patron is killed in holdup of lounge,” breaking crime story, June 28, 1980.
“UD struggling in program upheaval,” turmoil at the University of Dallas, June 1, 1980.
“Dallas professor resigns, denounces acting president,” conflict at the University of Dallas, May 30, 1980.
“Canada is facing difficult rewrite of its constitution,” the aftermath of the defeat of the Quebec referendum, April 26, 1980.
“Evel leaping debt hurdle,” profile of motorcycle stunt rider Evel Knievel, May 10, 1980.
“Many will face hunger in June if their food stamps are cut off,” story entered into the Congressional record by Jim Wright, May 4, 1980.
“Seeds can grow profit, pleasure,” profile of avid vegetable gardener, April 19,1980.
“Earth greets the Empire,” feature on the second installment of the Star Wars trilogy, April 22, 1980.
21 Berryhill
“Gilda Cruz-Romo, She’s a prima donna only in the best sense of word,” profile of opera singer, April 18, 1980.
“Ex-CIA agent says mission required more helicopters,” interview on failed rescue of Iran hostages, April 26, 1980.
“Opening night for the Rangers. Pass the beer and nachos,” baseball feature, April 11, 1980.
“‘75 school law going on trial in Houston today,” federal case on whether Texas schools can charge tuition to children of illegal aliens, February 19, 1980.
“‘Jazzbo’ took a shine to folks, vice versa,” feature obituary of a shoeshine man, February 7, 1980.
“Youth learned much for such a short life,” front-page feature obituary of a young musician, January 19, 1980.
LITERARY CRITICISM
“The Epistemology of Loss,” an introduction for John Berryman, A Checklist, by Richard Kelly, Scarecrow Press, 1972.
“The Poetry of Derek Mahon,” Eire Ireland, Spring 1976.
POETRY
Everything Changes, chapbook of sonnets from Inleaf Press, Portland, Maine, 2010.
Not Now, 28-page chapbook of poems from Inleaf Press, Portland, Maine, 2009.
“Bad News,” “The Problem,” and “Quitting Football, The Paris Review, summer, 1998.
“Man with his Head in his Hands,” “Night Meditation,” and “Not Now,” Western Humanities Review, winter 1997.
“Rhetoric” and “For Borges,” Ardis Anthology of Young Poets, ed. David Rigsbee, Ann Arbor, 1977.
“Instructions” and “Winter,” New American Review #13. “For Borges,” American Review #18.
“The Talker,” The New Orleans Review, Spring 1977.
“A Metaphor, A Parable,” “Checking Things Out,” “I Will Not Speak,” “The Monster,” 25 Minnesota Poets, Minneapolis, 1974.
22 Berryhill
“Blanco,” Hudson River Anthology, 1977.
“Instructions,” A Tumult for Berryman, ed. Marguerite Harris, Dryad Press, 1976
“Berryhill’s Berryman,” Once in a Sycamore, ed. Ernest Stefanik, Rook Press, 1976.
“Recent Items and a Comment,” The Hollins Critic, Fall 1978.
“Apology to Kenneth Cade,” Athanor, Summer 1967.
23