paper, 224 p., $19.95
As chairman of a tree-protection organization in the U.K., Fred Hageneder is a dedicated "tree-hugger." His fascination with the largest plants on the planet has led him to explore the significant relationships between trees and humankind throughout history. The main body of the work is devoted to a directory of important trees. This contains more than fifty individual profiles of plants, including descriptions of their characteristics, uses, symbolism, and lore in different cultures. The appendices include a botanical glossary, a section on natural healing, a bibliography, and an index. The text is amply illustrated, and the full-color photographs of mature specimens of trees in their natural environment around the world are breathtaking. Highest accolades go to the author and photographers for this magnificent homage to trees.
— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden