paper, 154 pp., $32.50
A dedicated advocate of the forests that circle the earth south of the polar lands, the author writes in a pleasing prose style about their vital importance to the planet. They are part of a “bioplan,” which she describes, saying it is “the blueprint for all connectivity of life in nature.” She directs attention to the trees and medicinal plants found in these woodlands, providing profiles of individual species. The striking photographs of landscapes by Christian Kroger are powerful and those of the medicinal plants are elegant. These are compelling reminders of the importance of nature to the life of the planet.
— Marilyn K. Alaimo, garden writer and volunteer, Chicago Botanic Garden