Trees seen like never before--a world expert presents a stunning
compendium, illuminating science, conservation, and art.
Trees provoke deep affection, spirituality, and creativity. They cover
about a third of the world's land and play a crucial role in our
environmental systems--influencing the water, carbon, and nutrient
cycles and the global climate. This puts trees at the forefront of
research into mitigating our climate emergency; we cannot understate
their importance in shaping our daily lives and our planet's future.
In these lavish pages, ecologist Paul Smith celebrates all that trees
have inspired across nearly every human culture throughout history.
Generously illustrated with over 450 images and organized according to
tree life cycle--from seeds and leaves to wood, flowers, and fruit--this
book celebrates the great diversity and beauty of the 60,000 tree
species that inhabit our planet. Surprising photography and infographics
will inspire readers, illustrating intricate bark and leaf patterns,
intertwined ecosystems, colorful flower displays, archaic wooden wheels,
and timber houses. In this lavishly illustrated book, Smith presents the
science, art, and culture of trees. As we discover the fundamental and
fragile nature of trees and their interdependence, we more deeply
understand the forest without losing sight of the magnificent trees.
