The Glory of the Tree, by Noel Kingsbury, Firefly Books, 288 pages, $40.
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 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
