title: The Glory of the Tree: An Illustrated History
author: Noel Kingsbury
description: I have long been taken with trees, and love good photography of these glorious creatures. Some books are a bit too artful, some a bit too tedious, some more poetry than science, others just wooden lists. This one gets it right -- beautifully written, nicely designed, arranged showing ninety-one of the world's greatest tree species; it describes their botany and origin, and of course, for each picture it explains the location, size, characteristics, and the potential age (which itself is great fun and mind-boggling!) I love this large book, glad for the vibrant color and the great photography. (Byron Borger <i>Hearts and Minds Books</i> 2014-12-13)<br /><br />Stunning photography and insightful commentary characterize the Glory of the Tree. Many pleasant surprises await anyone interested in nature, horticulture, and long life. The latter category constitutes a noteworthy characteristic of trees that continues to fascinate people across cultures. The "Antiquity" section includes 13 species ranging in age from less than 100 years to over 5,000 years for an individual specimen. For others, the age is simply unknown. Horticulture/ gardening writer Kingsbury makes the important point that trees are not just single organisms, but belong to a community. The "Ecology" chapter includes 17 species ranging from plants known now only in cultivation to invasive weeds, and from the most exotic to the very majestic. Other chapters include "Sacred," "Utility," "Food," and "Ornament," for a total of 91 species covered. Regardless of one's familiarity with certain trees, this book will reintroduce readers to trees they have always loved (Christmas trees),<br /> others they have never heard of (monkey puzzle), and still more that will provide hours of joy and wonder. Summing up: Recommended. General readers and professionals/practitioners. (T. Johnson <i>Choice</i> 2015-03-01)<br /><br />It is a coffee-table book, an ecology book, a history book, a utilitarian book, and an ornamental arboriculture book. It succeeds in all these roles. . . In the course of profiling 90 species of trees from around the world. I like many things about it, including the high-quality paper, the concise species abstracts, and the fascinating "Fathers of the Forest" chart at the end that shows the age and location of the oldest living examples of specific taxa. I also like that each tree profile is arranged seemingly at random instead of predictably alphabetically. Finally, the author did the exhaustive research that makes the content rise far above his own direct experience, resulting in some of the book's best characteristics. . . This book has so much to recommend it. Many of the chapters are brilliantly written, and I learned something new on nearly every page. Read it as a continuing story, not as a spot reference, and you will be richly rewarded. (Guy Sternberg <i>American Gardener</i> 2015-02-01)<br /><br />A stunning tribute to this important and diverse part of nature. Entries on more than 90 global species of trees yield data about the antiquity, ecology, sacred aspects, utilitarian value, food, and ornamental uses of trees. Outstanding large-format color photographs leaven an informative, accessible text. The thematically arranged entries average a few pages in length. Each entry begins with a sidebar that provides information on the family, a brief description, natural origin, size, potential age, and climate preference of the species. Artistic color photographs accompany each entry. The narrative reveals interesting and eclectic details about each species.... Notable for splendid color photographs and authoritative commentary, The Glory of the Tree is highly recommended for public libraries and the collections of garden and landscape enthusiasts. (Nancy Cannon <i>Booklist</i> 2014-12-01)<br /><br />This is not just another tree identification book, it is more like a hymn to the importance and beauty and wonder of trees. I can't remember when I have had so much pleasure reading about trees.... Each entry is an elegantly written, engaging and tightly focused essay, full of quality information and fascinating detail. (Whysall) has very carefully cherry-picked facts to compile the most pertinent, helpful and insightful information. The result is a set of complete and satisfying plant portraits. I enjoyed setting time aside to work through each one as a little education and enrichment project. I think you will come away, as I did, not only knowing more about the awesome nature of trees but also loving them more for their majestic forms and habits.... As you quietly work through these exceptionally well-crafted profiles, you will learn all sorts of surprising and interesting facts about this outstanding selection of trees and their value and importance to our world. It's time well<br /> spent, and a journey worth taking. (Steve Whysall <i>Vancouver Sun</i> 2014-10-23)<br /><br />They tower above us, they nurture us, they provide us with clean air; trees are crucial to our survival. They also bring much beauty into the world, and tranquility. Author Noel Kingsbury celebrates the tree and its importance in this coffee table book. He divides his exploration of trees into six chapters: antiquity, ecology, sacred, utility, food, and ornament. Within each of these chapters there is a detailed look at a number of trees that best illustrate the concepts presented. When we think of the oldest living trees, it is generally the redwood that comes to mind but the giant sequoia will live more than twice as long, and the bristlecone pine even longer still. In each chapter are beautiful photographs of the various species that are presented, along with a detailed description. Some of the featured trees are at risk due to habitat destruction, like the Cayman ironwood, but others have proven their value in new ways, such as the longleaf pine that is now being championed as a<br /> sustainable choice for forest management. From the towering ancient sequoias to the brilliant annual displays of the Judas tree, there is a fascinating variety of trees gathered in this gorgeous book. (Terry Peters <i>North Shore News</i> 2014-11-12)
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  This page formatted 2007 Blackmask Online.
  
  
  # The Fruit of the Tree
  
  
  ### Edith Wharton
  
  
  This page formatted 2007 Blackmask Online.
  
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