The Story of Trees

An intimate portrait of trees, accessibly written.  The format of giving individual double page spreads to each type of tree means you can dip in and out, but the sequence they are presented in builds a brilliant cohesive narrative too.

An "alternative" story of trees, told through their discovery and use over time. Beautiful drawings and good stories to remember the differences, for those like me who have never known how to distinguish one tree from another.

Una storia "alternativa" degli alberi, raccontata attraverso la loro scoperta ed il loro utilizzo nel tempo. Bei disegni e ottimi storie per ricordarsi le differenze, per chi come me non ha mai saputo distinguere un albero dall'altro.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC!

This is an amazing book!

I have loved trees all of my life so I had to see what this author had to say about them.  I was surprised and amazed at the complexity of each individual tree.

I cannot imagine the time, effort and research that has gone into compiling this endeavor.  Each page has a comprehensive and detailed explanation of a tree, a drawing (it may be a photo but on my advanced copy it was hard to tell) and also small images of flowers, berries, leaves or nuts.  The images is so defined, one can even discern how the bark of each tree is unique and individual as are their leaves.

There are many trees listed throughout the book.  Within the description one can find out the country the tree originates from, its common names, the climate best suited to its growth or habitat, its longevity, its speed of growth and its maximum height at full growth.

You will find out its healing properties, medicinal usages such as teas, tinctures and ointments.   It also covers jams, jellies, pies, tarts, etc.  

For all those healers out there, this is a must for your bookshelf.  It is simply loaded with all kind of interesting information and usages that the medical professional has discovered as well as our indigenous peoples.

I cannot wait for this to come to print so I can pick up my copy to add to my books of wondrous opportunities to learn more about nature, its abundance, how it nourishes us and keeps us well.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Laurence King Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Trees are getting a lot of attention at the moment, as people start to see them as a potential ally in facing the climate emergency. It is an essential lesson for our species to understand that we are not separate from nature, we are not to laud it over our natural environment, but we are sustained by a mysterious life support system that we must care for and respect.

The Story of Trees is a beautifully illustrated guide to different species of tree across the world and the ways that they have supported and helped us over the course of human history. With a double page spread on each species it creates an excellent reference work that can be read through or dipped into and returned to time and again.

The illustrations are attractive and detailed and supported by cutaways where appropriate of fruits and seeds. The accompanying words detail some basic facts alongside the human history of each tree, the way they have helped to shape and sustain human life through their wide variety of gifts. It has been brilliantly researched and contains a wealth of knowledge that can only enhance our relationship with the world around us.

It is an education and a joy to spend time amongst the wonder of trees from all around the world and hopefully an inspiration to walk out and meet those that thrive locally, acknowledging them as far more than a pretty view or shelter from unexpected rain. The Story of Trees will see you regularly returning to your bookshelf, not just a reference guide but a retreat to refresh your spirits. A lovely book.