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Botanical
Pine
Now in paperback, an enduring survey of the venerable trees.
Since the pine tree is able to sprout after forest fires, on mountainsides, and in semi-desert climes, it is no surprise that the ever-resilient tree signifies longevity, wisdom, and immortality. From the pine cone staffs carried by the worshippers of Bacchus in the classical world to their role in the movement to establish national parks in nineteenth-century North America, pine trees and their symbolism run deep in cultures around the globe. In Pine , Laura Mason explores the many ways pines have inspired and been used by people throughout history.
Mason examines how the somber, brooding atmosphere of pine woods, the complex forms of pine cones, and the coniform shape of the trees themselves have aroused the creativity of artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers. She also considers the many ways we use the tree—its resin once provided adhesives, waterproofing, and medicines, and its wood continues to be incorporated into buildings, furniture, and the pulp used to make paper, while its cones provide pine nuts and other food for animals and humans. Filled with one hundred illustrations, Pine provides a fascinating survey of these rugged, aromatic trees that are found the world over.
Since the pine tree is able to sprout after forest fires, on mountainsides, and in semi-desert climes, it is no surprise that the ever-resilient tree signifies longevity, wisdom, and immortality. From the pine cone staffs carried by the worshippers of Bacchus in the classical world to their role in the movement to establish national parks in nineteenth-century North America, pine trees and their symbolism run deep in cultures around the globe. In Pine , Laura Mason explores the many ways pines have inspired and been used by people throughout history.
Mason examines how the somber, brooding atmosphere of pine woods, the complex forms of pine cones, and the coniform shape of the trees themselves have aroused the creativity of artists, writers, filmmakers, and photographers. She also considers the many ways we use the tree—its resin once provided adhesives, waterproofing, and medicines, and its wood continues to be incorporated into buildings, furniture, and the pulp used to make paper, while its cones provide pine nuts and other food for animals and humans. Filled with one hundred illustrations, Pine provides a fascinating survey of these rugged, aromatic trees that are found the world over.
- GenresEnvironmentHistoryNature
224 pages, Hardcover
First published April 15, 2013
53 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
December 20, 2020
Wonderful and succinct global view of pine trees: their variety, natural history, and their significance in human culture, religion, rituals, and industry. It was surprisingly wide-ranging and featured high-quality photographs and paintings from around the world, myths from the ancient Greeks, Chinese, and Japanese, poetry excerpts, and historical factoids ranging from ancient Rome to 20th century U.S. It balanced art and science nicely, and I especially appreciated its explanation of turpentine, resin, and pitch, which many other books about trees mention but don't explain.
Altogether very useful book for research purposes. This lost art of botanical/cultural knowledge can be useful for writers of fiction.
Altogether very useful book for research purposes. This lost art of botanical/cultural knowledge can be useful for writers of fiction.
June 9, 2017
Great information. Well illustrated. The quality of the text itself makes worth reading and keeping. Highest quality paper and binding. I enjoyed holding it and reading it.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews