The Secret Life of Trees
Author/Artist
Colin Tudge
Reviewer
Brynneth
Publisher
Penguin Books
Price (GBP)
£9.99
Subject
Tree Lore
Type
Non-Fiction Book
Purchase
Review
Perhaps
one of the safest generalisations to make about Druids is that we do tend to
have a bit of thing about trees! Consequently, this is a book that any aspiring
Druid should consider reading. It covers a vast range of ideas and is packed
with facts and concepts. Exploring what trees are, how they live, what they do
and why they matter, Tudge ranges widely across a fascinating subject. There’s
biology, natural history, evolution, politics, human history, philosophy, myths,
personal insight and some lovely sketches. Some of the writing is quite
technical, especially the overview of tree species, but it’s well worth sticking
with. I’ve spent the last few weeks bombarding those around me with random tree
facts, and learned a huge amount – I thought I knew a lot about trees. I realise
now that didn’t - the enormity of
what there is to know is daunting. How little we as a species understand these
vital plants that share, and frequently define our world. Not only is this a
history, but it offers some thoughts for the future about living harmoniously
with trees. In our threatened world these ideas urgently need to be shared and
explored. I can’t praise this book highly enough.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Life-Trees-Penguin-Science/dp/0141012935/...