The long, long life of trees

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Title:

The long, long life of trees

Author:

Stafford, Fiona J., author.

ISBN:

9780300207330

Personal Author:

Stafford, Fiona J., author.

Physical Description:

287 pages : illustrations ; 22 cm

General Note:

Source of cataloging data: WCP

Abstract:

"Since the beginnings of history trees have served humankind in countless useful ways, but our relationship with trees has many dimensions beyond mere practicality. Trees are so entwined with human experience that diverse species have inspired their own stories, myths, songs, poems, paintings, and spiritual meanings. Some have achieved status as religious, cultural, or national symbols. In this beautifully illustrated volume Fiona Stafford offers intimate, detailed explorations of seventeen common trees, from ash and apple to pine, oak, cypress, and willow. The author also pays homage to particular trees, such as the fabled Ankerwyke Yew, under which Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn, and the spectacular cherry trees of Washington, D.C. Stafford discusses practical uses of wood past and present, tree diseases and environmental threats, and trees' potential contributions toward slowing global climate change. Brimming with unusual topics and intriguing facts, this book celebrates trees and their long, long lives as our inspiring and beloved natural companions"-- Provided by publisher.

Subject Term:

Trees -- Symbolic aspects.

Trees -- Psychological aspects.

Trees -- Environmental aspects.

Trees -- Varieties.

Trees -- Health.

Available:*

Library	Material Type	Call Number	Status	Item Holds
Searching... Sugar Grove - Todd Library	Book	GT5150 .S84 2016	Searching... Unknown	Searching... Unavailable

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Summary

A lyrical tribute to the diversity of trees, their physical beauty, their special characteristics and uses, and their ever-evolving meanings

Since the beginnings of history trees have served humankind in countless useful ways, but our relationship with trees has many dimensions beyond mere practicality. Trees are so entwined with human experience that diverse species have inspired their own stories, myths, songs, poems, paintings, and spiritual meanings. Some have achieved status as religious, cultural, or national symbols.

In this beautifully illustrated volume Fiona Stafford offers intimate, detailed explorations of seventeen common trees, from ash and apple to pine, oak, cypress, and willow. The author also pays homage to particular trees, such as the fabled Ankerwyke Yew, under which Henry VIII courted Anne Boleyn, and the spectacular cherry trees of Washington, D.C. Stafford discusses practical uses of wood past and present, tree diseases and environmental threats, and trees' potential contributions toward slowing global climate change. Brimming with unusual topics and intriguing facts, this book celebrates trees and their long, long lives as our inspiring and beloved natural companions.

Reviews (1)

Choice Review

As one might expect from an English professor, this beautifully written book is very different from any of the many tree books on this reviewer's sagging shelves. Stafford (Univ. of Oxford, UK) thoroughly examines the cultural associations of 17 types of trees with humankind through literature, history, mythology, folklore, commerce, fine art, music, pop culture, and science. In the author's words, this "is a personal exploration of the meaning of trees." Her approach is indeed personal, eclectic, highly engaging, and primarily from a British perspective. She deals with trees at the level of the genus, so oak, holly, sycamore, birch, willow, and other familiar kinds each have their own chapter. The many illustrations (paintings, etchings, and drawings) are drawn mainly from historic sources with relatively few contemporary photographs. Although a little confused in places with botanical nomenclature, the breadth of Stafford's understanding about the cultural relationships with each tree is staggering. This could be an even more valuable reference work if there were citations linking the extensive bibliography to the text, but that would have disturbed the wonderful flow of the author's prose. It is evident that Stafford had fun writing this book, and this makes it fun to read. Summing Up: Recommended. Lower-division undergraduates and above; general readers. --Glenn D. Dreyer, Connecticut College