A Pocket Guide to the Trees: How to Identify and Enjoy Them

by Rutherford Platt

Identify trees quickly and easily. Here is a wonderful volume for everyone who loves trees and wants to know about them--where they grow, how to recognize them and what their leaf patterns are. There is a generous section of the author's superb photographs and more than 200 delightful and carefully done drawings. Included also are a new kind of Identification Guide, geographical groups, and a full index.

"..A new type of tree book...should command a wide and enthusiastic audience." --New York Herald-Tribune.

256 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1952

Reviews

[Mark Yashar · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an older book that I acquired from my dad's collection of books. I can see that he took a lot of inspiration from the photos and sketches in this book in his artwork. The book is very "old school" (1st edition 1952). The particular edition that I read was from 1974. A very relaxing read. The author almost waxes poetically about trees across the United States, stretching from tropical Florida to the west coast of California. It's nice to think that there are some very large and old pine (e.g., Great Basin bristlecone pines) and sequoia trees in California that existed here thousands of years before the first European explorers set foot in this country ...

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is the embodiment of listening to that one friend rant about their favorite subject (in the best way). The author found a way to provide information while personifying each and every part of every tree. I was hooked by the introduction to the book where the author claimed every tree has a metaphorical sign that reads, “something amazing is happening here”. The photographs were a great touch and I feel like I gained some further appreciation for the distinct trees I take for granted seeing each day.

[Leah Markum · Rating 4 out of 5]

The copy I have was well used by whoever had it before me. The paper is yellow and falling out, but it adds to the mystique. It's amazing how these "old" books have tidbits of knowledge that doesn't show up in modern textbooks. So even though I have a biology degree with many botany courses, I can still enjoy and learn from an obscure general audience book. Between that and the feel of my copy, I feel like I have a hidden treasure.

[Uzziah · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most delightful field guide ever. Platt is full of wonder and awe, and speaks of each type of tree in such a loving, familiar way that it makes you adore them. His descriptions are at times poetic, at times friendly as if describing a good companion.