Cover Image: The Living Wisdom of Trees

The Living Wisdom of Trees

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

Was this review helpful?

Who does not like a book dedicated to trees that discusses the secret, inner wisdom of what this strong and ancient beings can teach us. This book was perfect for me, as a tree lover, and I really enjoyed what this book had to offer. This book would make an excellent gift too!

Was this review helpful?

This was an interesting book to read and really is a celebration of trees. I don' think this is the type of book that you would sit down and read cover to cover in one sitting, but rather pick up when the mood strikes for some tree wisdom.

Was this review helpful?

This book is a absolute delight for tree lovers. For those of us that are advocates for trees and forest it is a wonderful guide and teaching tool. I highly recommend this wonderful book to further your education of trees and the history of. Thank you to Net Galley and to the publisher.
My review opinions are my own.

This is a treasure of historical scientific information of trees in a exceptionally well organized format that is easy for anyone to easily turn to their favorite tree. Author Fred Hageneder is an ethnobotanist who is well educated in the subject and science of trees. It is this knowledge so well presented here that makes this book a essential delightful learning tool. The author lists tree species and information for each one, including historical symbolism and cultural medicinal and practical uses. This is a key body of knowledge for learning about trees that I highly recommend.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the advanced e-copy of this book.

Unfortunately, the formatting and blacked out pictures of the digital copy I received does not allow for a full review.

However, that being said there were several elements of this book that found well done, including the section on different cultures and their associations with trees. I also found the addition of natural healing and traditional medicines inspiring.

The most interesting element (and main topic) of this book was the alphabetized selection of different tree species with each tree then further divided into the following sub-sections; symbolism, divine associations, astrological associations, superstitions, practical uses and natural healing.

Without being able to view some of the pictures and see the real flow of this book, I gave it 3 stars.

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating and informative book. It made me wish I could read it while walking in a forest.
Well written and engrossing.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Was this review helpful?

Love the pencil/pen sketch image of the tree and seed/part of the tree. There are a number of information points- symbolism, divine associations and more. You also get the time of year it flowers and fruits,

Was this review helpful?

A fascinating guide to trees broken down into species .For anyone who loves trees finds comfort walking among them curious about the details.Really enjoyed this wonderful book.full of scientific info and details.#netgalley#watkins

Was this review helpful?

I love trees! How each one is different and yet so uniquely perfect. Call me a tree hugger...I won't stop you. :)
This book was an interesting read. Author Fred Hageneder draws on his work as an ethnobotanist to bring this guide to the public. It is separated by tree species, and gives a slew of information for each one, including historical highlights, symbolism and cultural ties, and both medicinal and practical uses. A treasure trove for tree lovers!

Was this review helpful?

This is a great reference book. The information is presented in alphabetical order, giving the cultural, symbolic, and healing significance of each tree. The author obviously knows his subject and has put a lot of work into this book.

I really wish the book had been organized topically, rather than alphabetically. I had been eager to read about this subject, but it became tiresome to have to flip through each entry on each tree. A narrative approach would have been much more appreciated and accessible to the average reader. As is, this book is great for libraries and for reference, but not for simply pleasure or informative reading.

The book includes a great deal of information of trees in North America for American readers. However, a few beloved species (e.g. the dogwood and redbud) were left out. Much of the information about Native American interaction with trees seems a bit skewed towards the Western tribes.

Was this review helpful?

The Living Wisdom of Trees is a wonderful book for anyone who feels a deep connection to, or interest in, trees. This book tells you pretty much everything you might want to know about various trees. Each tree is listed by it's common and it's species name and then you learn the following: The symbolism, divine and astrological associations, superstitions, historical highlights, details about the biology, habitat and how the tree is often used by humans and wildlife. Then the chapter goes into the natural healing elements of the tree, culture, myths, religion and symbolism and finally where it grows naturally and flowering or fruiting time. So, if you're a science buff with an interest in trees or if you're interested in tree symbolism I think you'll enjoy this book as a valuable reference.
#TheLivingWisdomOfTrees #Netgalley

Was this review helpful?

A celebration of the cultural importance of trees.

Starting with discussions of the widespread archetypes of the Tree of Life, the Tree of Knowledge and Sacred Groves, the Living Wisdom of Trees goes on to give a potted history of human migration, traditional medicine, such as Ayurvedic, before focusing on individual tree species.

For each species included, the symbolism, divine associations and astrological associations are listed. Followed by practical uses, use in herbal medicine, and folklore. The information is organised under headings, making it easy to locate.

Some individual ancient or otherwise noteworthy trees are mentioned.

The end matter includes a botanical glossary, further reading and useful websites.

A valuable addition to our knowledge of the metaphysical aspects of trees.

Fascinating and accessible.

With many thanks to NetGalley and publisher, Watkins, for the ARC.

Was this review helpful?