The Long, Long Life of TreesA 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. |
Contents
Buds Bark and a Golden Bough | 1 |
Yew | 21 |
Cherry | 39 |
Rowan | 53 |
Olive | 65 |
Cypress | 81 |
Oak | 93 |
Ash | 115 |
Birch | 167 |
Horse Chestnut | 179 |
Elm | 191 |
Willow | 207 |
Hawthorn | 223 |
Pine | 239 |
Apple | 255 |
| 273 | |
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Common terms and phrases
AGNES MILLER PARKER ancient yews apple tree ash tree bark beauty berries birch trees black poplar blossom botanical boughs branches bright Britain British celebrated century cherry trees coloured conker crown Cyparissus cypress tree dark disease Dutch elm disease English English elm flourishing flowers foliage forests fresh fruit garden Glastonbury Thorn golden green grow Gwen Raverat hawthorn hedge holly tree horse chestnut tree huge human imagined inspired John Clare kind known leaves living LONG mature means Mediterranean memory modern native natural oak tree olive tree Oliver Rackham once orchard paintings planted poem poet recognised roots rowan tree saplings Scots pine Scottish season seems sense shade silver birch smooth song species spring stands sticks strong summer surrounding survive sycamore symbol tall thorn timber tion traditional tree’s trunk turned twigs variety willow winter wood wooden woodlands yew trees young