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
1 | |
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
ancient apple apple tree arrived associations bark beauty become begin berries birch blossom branches bright Britain British celebrated century cherry colours create cypress tree dark death designed disease early English entire fall forests fresh fruit future garden green ground grow hard hawthorn hedge holly hope horse chestnut huge human imagined inspired Italy John kind known land later leaves less light living look marked mature means memory moving native natural offer olive once original paintings pine planted poem poplar probably protective providing reach remains roads roots rowan season seems sense side species spreading spring stands story strong summer surrounding sycamore symbol tall things thorn thought thousand timber traditional tree trunk turned variety willow winter wood young