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Wise Trees
Leading landscape photographers Diane Cook and Len Jenshel present Wise Trees—a stunning photography book containing more than 50 historical trees with remarkable stories from around the world. Supported by grants from the Expedition Council of the National Geographic Society, Cook and Jenshel spent two years traveling to fifty-nine sites across five continents to photograph some of the world’s most historic and inspirational trees. Trees, they tell us, can live without us, but we cannot live without them. Not only do trees provide us with the oxygen we breathe, food gathered from their branches, and wood for both fuel and shelter, but they have been essential to the spiritual and cultural life of civilizations around the world. From Luna, the Coastal Redwood in California that became an international symbol when activist Julia Butterfly Hill sat for 738 days on a platform nestled in its branches to save it from logging, to the Bodhi Tree, the sacred fig in India that is a direct descendent of the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment, Cook and Jenshel reveal trees that have impacted and shaped our lives, our traditions, and our feelings about nature. There are also survivor trees, including a camphor tree in Nagasaki that endured the atomic bomb, an American elm in Oklahoma City, and the 9/11 Survivor Tree, a Callery pear at the 9/11 Memorial. All of the trees were carefully selected for their role in human dramas. This project both reflects and inspires awareness of the enduring role of trees in nurturing and sheltering humanity. Photographers, environmentalists, history buffs, and nature-lovers alike will appreciate the extraordinary stories found within the pages of Wise Trees!
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2017
13 people are currently reading
784 people want to read
About the author
Diane Cook
32 books477 followersDiane Cook is the author of the novel, THE NEW WILDERNESS, and the story collection, MAN V. NATURE, which was a finalist for the Guardian First Book Award, the Believer Book Award, and the Los Angeles Times Art Seidenbaum Award for First Fiction. Her writing has appeared in Harper's, Tin House, Granta, and other publications, and her stories have been included in the anthologies Best American Short Stories and The O. Henry Prize Stories. She is a former producer for the radio program This American Life, and was the recipient of a 2016 fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
April 30, 2022
While the information on global trees (be it historical, cultural or scientific) is most definitely enlightening, informative and thankfully also for the most part penned and presented in a readable, non textbook-like, light, airy and non jargon heavy mode of expression (and although the accompanying photographs gracing the pages of Diane Cook and Len Jenshel's Wise Trees are indeed absolutely and wonderfully a true and enchanting feast for the eyes and almost a visual prayer of spirituality for those of us who love and appreciate trees, who like Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables cannot really imagine living and exiting in a treeless environment), there are sadly also more than a few factual shortcomings with regard to Wise Trees that have made me more than a bit annoyed and frustrated, mostly concerning areas of the world which trees have not been (at least in my humble opinion) in any manner adequately depicted and described.
For yes, while the authors feature and present more than enough examples of Asian trees and United States of America trees, I for one would certainly want a bit more of a global sense of balance shown, especially with regard to Europe and South America. I mean, why are there but one tree from Ireland, one tree from the United Kingdom and one tree from continental Europe, from Germany, featured, and then such a huge amount of Asian trees and USA trees (and no mention AT ALL of South America and the living fossil trees of the Andes)? Therefore, while I have certainly much enjoyed reading the arboreal details Diane Cook and Len Jenshel have provided (including how important trees have always been for spirituality, for prayer, for religion, folklore and superstition), I do have to internally growl more than a bit at the fact that Wise Trees is not in any manner extensive and global enough for me (and is in fact so one sided with and in its depiction and analysis of trees of the world, that I for one will only give a high two star ranking at best).
And indeed, the ONLY reason why Wise Trees even still deserves that two star ranking from me is that I absolutely do love love love the accompanying and often glowingly spiritual photographs of the trees being described. For the textual, the thematic shortcomings, because of what has been omitted or perhaps I guess forgotten to be included by the authors and the annoying truth of the matter and fact that especially European and South American trees have received a total and unacceptable short shrift (in my opinion), this all does leave very much for me to be personally desired and accepted, not to mention that there is also no bibliography and no source acknowledgments whatsoever included with Wise Trees (except for photo credits), which with regard to completely non fiction tomes always does tend to majorly rub me the wrong proverbial way, for aside from this being academically suspect and perhaps even dishonest, this also seriously limits supplemental research and/or checking the veracity and truth of Diane Cook's and Len Jenshel's printed words.
For yes, while the authors feature and present more than enough examples of Asian trees and United States of America trees, I for one would certainly want a bit more of a global sense of balance shown, especially with regard to Europe and South America. I mean, why are there but one tree from Ireland, one tree from the United Kingdom and one tree from continental Europe, from Germany, featured, and then such a huge amount of Asian trees and USA trees (and no mention AT ALL of South America and the living fossil trees of the Andes)? Therefore, while I have certainly much enjoyed reading the arboreal details Diane Cook and Len Jenshel have provided (including how important trees have always been for spirituality, for prayer, for religion, folklore and superstition), I do have to internally growl more than a bit at the fact that Wise Trees is not in any manner extensive and global enough for me (and is in fact so one sided with and in its depiction and analysis of trees of the world, that I for one will only give a high two star ranking at best).
And indeed, the ONLY reason why Wise Trees even still deserves that two star ranking from me is that I absolutely do love love love the accompanying and often glowingly spiritual photographs of the trees being described. For the textual, the thematic shortcomings, because of what has been omitted or perhaps I guess forgotten to be included by the authors and the annoying truth of the matter and fact that especially European and South American trees have received a total and unacceptable short shrift (in my opinion), this all does leave very much for me to be personally desired and accepted, not to mention that there is also no bibliography and no source acknowledgments whatsoever included with Wise Trees (except for photo credits), which with regard to completely non fiction tomes always does tend to majorly rub me the wrong proverbial way, for aside from this being academically suspect and perhaps even dishonest, this also seriously limits supplemental research and/or checking the veracity and truth of Diane Cook's and Len Jenshel's printed words.
November 25, 2017
I loved "WISE TREES"
I learned a lot and really enjoyed the pictures.
I have the book on a table in my living room and everyone who comes over..picks it up and read the whole book..
Diane Cook did a great job on this book.
I learned a lot and really enjoyed the pictures.
I have the book on a table in my living room and everyone who comes over..picks it up and read the whole book..
Diane Cook did a great job on this book.
October 20, 2017
What a work of art! Amazing book about amazing trees around the world! I have read about an occasional special tree, but nothing akin to these ones. So worth a read. And the photos of the trees are wonderful to view! Kudos for all the hard work Diane Cook and Len Jenshel!
August 23, 2019
I quite liked the big pictures of big trees, and some of the stories about big trees (bigly pictured) were better than others, but somehow I wish there were more big pictures of the big trees.
Big
Big
January 3, 2020
This is a beautiful, large format volume with excellent photography and 2-3 paragraphs on each tree presented. The trees (around 100) have historic, religious, or cultural importance and range from Newton's apple tree to California's sequoias. Recommended for the tree lover in your life.
October 15, 2018
Firstly, this book is fucking gorgeous. The photos are fucking lush as fuck. The layout. The typeface. The lighting choices. Gorgeous. The size? A little on the cumbersome side but hey, you wanna be engulfed by the images of these trees so it's an understandable choice.
Secondly, a book about trees? Surprisingly interesting for someone (myself) who wouldn't consider themselves particularly that interested in trees. Why? Because this book does a great job of weaving history, spirituality and myth into the descriptions of each trees. These trees are old and significant and have seen the best and worst of humanity. They contain Gods. They contain spirits. They contain magic and promise and the future and the past.
Thirdly... a book about trees is... weirdly emotional? Reading about survivor trees (the hiroshima bonsai, the hibaku jumoku and the Oklahoma City bombing tree) is a reminder of how life continues even after the worst of atrocities.
Secondly, a book about trees? Surprisingly interesting for someone (myself) who wouldn't consider themselves particularly that interested in trees. Why? Because this book does a great job of weaving history, spirituality and myth into the descriptions of each trees. These trees are old and significant and have seen the best and worst of humanity. They contain Gods. They contain spirits. They contain magic and promise and the future and the past.
Thirdly... a book about trees is... weirdly emotional? Reading about survivor trees (the hiroshima bonsai, the hibaku jumoku and the Oklahoma City bombing tree) is a reminder of how life continues even after the worst of atrocities.
March 12, 2018
This was a beautiful book. There is just something about trees that is sacred. They have character, they tell a story, a history. Some of those trees looked to be from the beginning of time itself. Many of them seem to have religious meaning. It made me emotional just to look at the pictures, let alone for me to actually be there and touch the tree, to feel its "heartbeat". These seem to be a real creation of God Himself. I loved this.
October 28, 2017
This is a coffee table book full of wonderful pictures of historical trees from around the world. Each tree is given at least one large photograph and a concise but informative write-up about it's significance. I enjoyed both the photographs and learning the history that surrounds each tree. I would recommend this book to fans of photography, history, and nature.
August 20, 2018
A beautiful book on several levels. Thank you Eileen. The sheer biological diversity, strength, and fortitude of these trees. Not only the photos, but the information and background given on each. Wonderful to see & read the respect & relationships developed with trees around the world. Really amazing.
October 9, 2017
The imagery was absolutely stunning. Loved how crisp and clear the pictures are! It felt like I was standing right next to some of the trees. I never knew the different stories trees can tell, and now I'm going to be looking into other books about trees. Beautiful Layout and visual storytelling.
January 3, 2018
This is a stunning coffee-table photography book, about some of the world's famous (and ancient) trees. The photos are glorious; one might wish the authors had paid a little more attention to the text. That's a quibble - it's meant for the photography most of all.
January 9, 2018
A quick read that introduces some of the world's oldest and most revered trees through text and evocative images. Although it has wide breadth, there were noticeable omissions from the sylvan pantheon.
February 7, 2018
I'm a right tree lover and have a number of fantastic photos of trees, and this book is a huge delight. A 'Coffee table' book but fantastic all the same. An added little bit about the trees and their 'life' and 'place' history, the images are stunning and the frees wise and magnificent.
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October 11, 2017This is a gorgeous book! Love the photography and the stories that go with the pictures of"trees."
November 22, 2017
I received my copy from good reads first reads. Great pictures and wonderful stories to go along with them.
November 25, 2017
Full of gorgeous photos and rich detail, this book has been a fantastic addition to our homeschool day.
December 4, 2017
Beautiful!!
February 9, 2018
Absolutely beautiful.
February 10, 2018
nice coffee table book for occasional enjoyment of cool trees of many varieties and setting with nice short commentary on each one.
April 13, 2018
Absolutely loved this book!
March 5, 2021
lovely photos (with accompanying text) of some very old (and perhaps lesser known) trees from a variety of places around the globe. No Giant sequoias here, but the twisty bristlecone pines from Inyo Natl Forest and from Colorado make an appearance, and lots of historic and culturally significant sites get deserved attention.
If you are looking for photos of magnificent trees, this is a good place to start. If you are looking for pictures of leaf specimens (and seed pods, pinecones, fruit, flowers, bark, etc), try Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees
If you are looking for photos of magnificent trees, this is a good place to start. If you are looking for pictures of leaf specimens (and seed pods, pinecones, fruit, flowers, bark, etc), try Seeing Trees: Discover the Extraordinary Secrets of Everyday Trees
January 9, 2022
I was introduced to this beautiful book on Instagram by Oprah...Was going to buy it but thought I had better take a look first, so I checked it out from the library. "Wise Trees" by Diane Cook and Len Jenshel is the perfect coffee table or bedside table book (except that it is pretty hefty and requires a table or lap to hold it) - one can page through and read one small piece as time permits. Photographers, Cook and Jenshel traveled all over the world for two years to photograph famous, historical, and special trees from 59 sites on 5 continents. Accompanying the fabulous photos of each tree is the story of that tree. Each piece is interesting, awe-inspiring, and inspirational. Seeking out these trees would make a fantastic addition to any trip - or could be the focus for an entire trip (many of the trees featured in the book can be found in the United States and would not be hard to get to). Anyway, after my initial look, I think I am going to purchase this one! Definitely recommended!
May 21, 2019
The stories and the photography in this book are absolutely beautiful. This is a stunning book. I did think the organization was a little weird. It jumps from Japan to India to the USA and back to Japan again. India and Japan and certain parts of the USA are represented quite a bit, and then there are just a few European ones and a lone African tree. I wouldn't have left out any of the stories included in the book, but the way it was presented left me wanting more.
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February 9, 2020This book is one that I've read several times. I live in a high altitude desert where trees are pinon that are at most six foot high and bushy. Growing up in New Orleans a live oak tree (tree named for Mr. Live) is very tall with a trunk so thick that two to three people can stretch their arms holding hands as they hug and circle that trunk. --- The photographs still take my breath away. Each one nurtures my soul that's still thirsty for green leaves far above my head.
July 8, 2019
Easily one of my favorite reads this year! I was so moved and fascinated by the cultural significance of these wise trees. I have a number of favorite trees that I look for everyday in my neighborhood. After reading this book, I look at them and wonder about the local history these trees have been a part of. Thank you to the photographers/writers for sharing these trees with readers!
April 5, 2020
A gift from a friend, Wise Trees is a wonderful walk through some of the most beautiful forests and trees throughout the world. In a time when walls can seem to close in, this read expanded my space and my knowledge and my appreciation for the depth of beauty in the diversity of nature. It is a quick read, but will root itself in you for your good.
August 19, 2018
Wonderful, beautiful book.
February 11, 2019
Fascinating look at "famous" trees around the world and the stories they carry in them. I think some of the photography could have been better.
October 3, 2019
A wonderful collection of trees!
August 13, 2020
A beautiful "coffee table style" book of wonderful trees from around the world. Most are from the USA and Asia. Would have liked to see more from South America and Europe.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews