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The Story of Trees: And How They Changed the Way We Live
The Story of Trees takes the reader on a visual journey from some of the earliest known tree species on our planet to the latest fruit cultivars.
The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species, and how specific trees have become important religious, political, and cultural symbols.
With beautiful illustrations by Thibaud Herem and fascinating botanical facts and figures, this book will appeal to tree lovers from all over the world.
The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species, and how specific trees have become important religious, political, and cultural symbols.
With beautiful illustrations by Thibaud Herem and fascinating botanical facts and figures, this book will appeal to tree lovers from all over the world.
216 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2020
28 people are currently reading
608 people want to read
About the author
David West
274 books7 followersLibrarian note: there is more than one author with this name.
Others:
David 2^ West: GR author, Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy
David 3^ West: Latin professor
David 4^ West: Children's books
David 5^ West: b. 1923
David 6^ West: b. 1948
David 7^ West: Philosophy
David 8^ West: b. 1959
David 9^ West: b. 1964, Adults Travel
Others:
David 2^ West: GR author, Humor & Comedy, Science Fiction, Fantasy
David 3^ West: Latin professor
David 4^ West: Children's books
David 5^ West: b. 1923
David 6^ West: b. 1948
David 7^ West: Philosophy
David 8^ West: b. 1959
David 9^ West: b. 1964, Adults Travel
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 27, 2022
I love this book! 🌲
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾
November 19, 2019
2,5/5. Not sure about this one. A book that tell stories about various species of trees, where they're from, how some culture use them and what for. One page story, one page illustration of the tree, and then we move to another one. Original piece of works, but even I have great interest in trees, I can't say I fell in love with this book. it lack a little something that I have hard time to pinpoint...
February 26, 2021
I have heard Kevin Hobbs talk at Eden Project Learning about his work at Hillier Gardens and in particular about Japanese flora. It was obvious even from that relatively short talk, that he is very knowledgeable. This beautiful book reflects that well, although it is not written for botanists or professional horticulturists (however there were new things in it for me too), don't expect a scientific work. This is for all those who love trees, who wish to learn new things about them, maybe new species even, it can be a very good educational book. The story of each tree consists of its illustration and a one page story. I used it as a recreational reading between any two other books. Just a few trees & their bite-sized stories each night, it is very informative, well researched and it is fun to see how the world of trees unfolds for the curious.
May 25, 2021
A beautifully crafted reference book of trees, from the "classic" oak to the rare soap bark tree.
Each tree is given its own two page spread with a brilliantly detailed illustration on one page and detailed description on the facing page.
Informative, interesting, exquisitely drawn.
What's not to like?!
Each tree is given its own two page spread with a brilliantly detailed illustration on one page and detailed description on the facing page.
Informative, interesting, exquisitely drawn.
What's not to like?!
January 21, 2020
https://livemanylives.wordpress.com/
Trees are getting a lot of attention at the moment, as people start to see them as a potential ally in facing the climate emergency. It is an essential lesson for our species to understand that we are not separate from nature, we are not to laud it over our natural environment, but we are sustained by a mysterious life support system that we must care for and respect.
The Story of Trees is a beautifully illustrated guide to different species of tree across the world and the ways that they have supported and helped us over the course of human history. With a double page spread on each species it creates an excellent reference work that can be read through or dipped into and returned to time and again.
The illustrations are attractive and detailed and supported by cutaways where appropriate of fruits and seeds. The accompanying words detail some basic facts alongside the human history of each tree, the way they have helped to shape and sustain human life through their wide variety of gifts. It has been brilliantly researched and contains a wealth of knowledge that can only enhance our relationship with the world around us.
It is an education and a joy to spend time amongst the wonder of trees from all around the world and hopefully an inspiration to walk out and meet those that thrive locally, acknowledging them as far more than a pretty view or shelter from unexpected rain. The Story of Trees will see you regularly returning to your bookshelf, not just a reference guide but a retreat to refresh your spirits. A lovely book.
Trees are getting a lot of attention at the moment, as people start to see them as a potential ally in facing the climate emergency. It is an essential lesson for our species to understand that we are not separate from nature, we are not to laud it over our natural environment, but we are sustained by a mysterious life support system that we must care for and respect.
The Story of Trees is a beautifully illustrated guide to different species of tree across the world and the ways that they have supported and helped us over the course of human history. With a double page spread on each species it creates an excellent reference work that can be read through or dipped into and returned to time and again.
The illustrations are attractive and detailed and supported by cutaways where appropriate of fruits and seeds. The accompanying words detail some basic facts alongside the human history of each tree, the way they have helped to shape and sustain human life through their wide variety of gifts. It has been brilliantly researched and contains a wealth of knowledge that can only enhance our relationship with the world around us.
It is an education and a joy to spend time amongst the wonder of trees from all around the world and hopefully an inspiration to walk out and meet those that thrive locally, acknowledging them as far more than a pretty view or shelter from unexpected rain. The Story of Trees will see you regularly returning to your bookshelf, not just a reference guide but a retreat to refresh your spirits. A lovely book.
February 4, 2020
An "alternative" story of trees, told through their discovery and use over time. Beautiful drawings and good stories to remember the differences, for those like me who have never known how to distinguish one tree from another.
Una storia "alternativa" degli alberi, raccontata attraverso la loro scoperta ed il loro utilizzo nel tempo. Bei disegni e ottimi storie per ricordarsi le differenze, per chi come me non ha mai saputo distinguere un albero dall'altro.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC!
Una storia "alternativa" degli alberi, raccontata attraverso la loro scoperta ed il loro utilizzo nel tempo. Bei disegni e ottimi storie per ricordarsi le differenze, per chi come me non ha mai saputo distinguere un albero dall'altro.
THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC!
August 23, 2020
I liked this book in large part because of its format. Each tree would receive a description and narrative running a single page, and a pretty pen-and-ink drawing would appear on the opposite page along with a regular set of statistics (size, age, habitat, etc.). This made it an ideal book for casual, pick up-and-set down reading.
January 30, 2021
An absolutely wonderful book about 100 trees, with an illustration of each and a page detailing the tree's known history, as discovered and utilized by humankind. If you're interested in trees, this is an invaluable book for you to read. Highly recommended.
February 15, 2021
Beautiful, wonderful.
April 8, 2024
3.5 stars. While it doesn’t quite have the beauty (with words and illustrations) as some of my other favourite tree books (and yes, that’s a genre), this still was a most enjoyable and interesting tour of trees around the world.
August 7, 2021
A wonderful telling of trees, their history, where they originated and all of the characteristics each possesses
December 4, 2019
This is an amazing book!
I have loved trees all of my life so I had to see what this author had to say about them. I was surprised and amazed at the complexity of each individual tree.
I cannot imagine the time, effort and research that has gone into compiling this endeavor. Each page has a comprehensive and detailed explanation of a tree, a drawing (it may be a photo but on my advanced copy it was hard to tell) and also small images of flowers, berries, leaves or nuts. The images are so defined, one can even discern how the bark of each tree is unique and individual as are their leaves.
There are many trees listed over several chapters as the author has broken then into categories. Within the description one can find out the country the tree originates from, it common names, the climate best suited to its growth or habitat, its longevity, its speed of growth and its maximum height at full growth.
You will find out its healing properties, medicinal usages such as teas, tinctures and ointments. It also covers jams, jellies, pies, tarts, etc.
For all those healers out there, this is a must for your bookshelf. It is simply loaded with all kind of interesting information and usages that the medical professional has discovered as well as our indigenous peoples.
I cannot wait for this to come to print so I can pick up my copy to add to my books of wondrous opportunities to learn more about nature, its abundance, how it nourishes us and keeps us well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Laurence King Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I have loved trees all of my life so I had to see what this author had to say about them. I was surprised and amazed at the complexity of each individual tree.
I cannot imagine the time, effort and research that has gone into compiling this endeavor. Each page has a comprehensive and detailed explanation of a tree, a drawing (it may be a photo but on my advanced copy it was hard to tell) and also small images of flowers, berries, leaves or nuts. The images are so defined, one can even discern how the bark of each tree is unique and individual as are their leaves.
There are many trees listed over several chapters as the author has broken then into categories. Within the description one can find out the country the tree originates from, it common names, the climate best suited to its growth or habitat, its longevity, its speed of growth and its maximum height at full growth.
You will find out its healing properties, medicinal usages such as teas, tinctures and ointments. It also covers jams, jellies, pies, tarts, etc.
For all those healers out there, this is a must for your bookshelf. It is simply loaded with all kind of interesting information and usages that the medical professional has discovered as well as our indigenous peoples.
I cannot wait for this to come to print so I can pick up my copy to add to my books of wondrous opportunities to learn more about nature, its abundance, how it nourishes us and keeps us well.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Laurence King Publishing Ltd. through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 30, 2019
A gorgeous and accessible book about trees of the world, with an emphasis on plant-people interaction.
In a format of a page of text per tree species, paired with a full-page illustration of the tree, The Story of Trees, offers information of interest as much to the layperson as to the tree expert. Information covered includes country of origin, history (in conjunction with humans), climate and habitat, ethnographic/commercial/medicinal/spiritual use, and toxicity. Gardeners and budding aboriculturalists will be interested in the details on rate of growth and size at maturity.
Where botanical terms are used, these are explained in straightforward language.
With such a format, some details have to be cut. Only the most significant facts about any one tree are included. So, for instance, the method of seed dispersal for one tree will be listed, but not for another. I would also have liked consistent inset illustrations of each tree's leaves, to better identify the tree in cultivation.
This book will make readers want to spend time in city parks, arboreta, botanical gardens, the countryside. For the reader enthused to plant a tree, and you know it makes sense for the good of the climate and our wellbeing, please consider tree sponsorship or adoption.
My thanks to NetGalley and Laurence King Publishing Limited for the ARC.
In a format of a page of text per tree species, paired with a full-page illustration of the tree, The Story of Trees, offers information of interest as much to the layperson as to the tree expert. Information covered includes country of origin, history (in conjunction with humans), climate and habitat, ethnographic/commercial/medicinal/spiritual use, and toxicity. Gardeners and budding aboriculturalists will be interested in the details on rate of growth and size at maturity.
Where botanical terms are used, these are explained in straightforward language.
With such a format, some details have to be cut. Only the most significant facts about any one tree are included. So, for instance, the method of seed dispersal for one tree will be listed, but not for another. I would also have liked consistent inset illustrations of each tree's leaves, to better identify the tree in cultivation.
This book will make readers want to spend time in city parks, arboreta, botanical gardens, the countryside. For the reader enthused to plant a tree, and you know it makes sense for the good of the climate and our wellbeing, please consider tree sponsorship or adoption.
My thanks to NetGalley and Laurence King Publishing Limited for the ARC.
January 23, 2020
Very well researched and very enjoyable.
February 22, 2020
The Story of Trees takes the reader on a visual journey from some of the earliest known tree species on our planet to the latest fruit cultivars.
The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species and how specific trees have become important religious, political and cultural symbols.
Simply written biographies about each different species really give you a great perspective on what each one is know for, it’s origins and it’s use sometimes in the social history of where it came from. Nature is fascinating and this book does a great job of making that clear, with facts accompanying the pages to give you an insight into these fascinating subjects .
Accompanying these biographies are some really incredible pieces of art byThibaud Herem which really brought these fantastic living things to life. Beautiful illustrations from the beginning of the book, the detail in every picture is incredible and well worth looking at this book just for that.
If you want to be more informed of the living things around you, this is a beautiful book to begin at.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for review).
The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species and how specific trees have become important religious, political and cultural symbols.
Simply written biographies about each different species really give you a great perspective on what each one is know for, it’s origins and it’s use sometimes in the social history of where it came from. Nature is fascinating and this book does a great job of making that clear, with facts accompanying the pages to give you an insight into these fascinating subjects .
Accompanying these biographies are some really incredible pieces of art byThibaud Herem which really brought these fantastic living things to life. Beautiful illustrations from the beginning of the book, the detail in every picture is incredible and well worth looking at this book just for that.
If you want to be more informed of the living things around you, this is a beautiful book to begin at.
(I received an ARC from Netgalley for review).
April 25, 2020
Stell dir vor, ein Freund geht mit dir durch den Wald, bleibt immer mal wieder an Bäumen stehen und erzählt dir Anekdoten: Wie lange Menschen diesen Baum schon kultivieren, wie und wo er wächst und was an ihm kurios ist. Dieses Buch ist so ein Freund.
Mehr als 100 Bäume inklusive Illustrationen von Thibaud Hérem auf rund 200 Seiten in einem schweren Band, der sich sehr schön produziert ist. Andererseits ist es dadurch nicht das Buch, das man einfach in der Tasche mit sich rumträgt, was irgendwie schade ist, denn dann könnte ich damit wirklich durch den Wald und die Bäume suchen, seine eigenen Anmerkungen machen und es erweitern.
Aber auch so: Ich lerne viele neue Dinge über Bäume und wie sie mit dem Menschen verbunden sind und schon beim nächsten Baum bleibe ich stehen und schaue ihn bewusster an, als ich es schon lange getan habe.
Die Geschichte der Bäume ist kein Buch, dass man von vorne nach hinten durchliest. Es ist eine Sammlung kleiner Geschichten. Erst lese ich die meiner liebsten Bäume, dann die der kuriosen Bäume und entdecke danach erst all die anderen.
Ein Museumsführer durch die Umwelt, der Spaß macht und mit viel Liebe gestaltet ist. Aber durch sein Format leider eher ein Coffee Table Book als ein wirklicher Führer, den ich zerfleddert immer im Rucksack liegen habe und immer wieder heraushole. Das könnte ja noch kommen.
Mehr als 100 Bäume inklusive Illustrationen von Thibaud Hérem auf rund 200 Seiten in einem schweren Band, der sich sehr schön produziert ist. Andererseits ist es dadurch nicht das Buch, das man einfach in der Tasche mit sich rumträgt, was irgendwie schade ist, denn dann könnte ich damit wirklich durch den Wald und die Bäume suchen, seine eigenen Anmerkungen machen und es erweitern.
Aber auch so: Ich lerne viele neue Dinge über Bäume und wie sie mit dem Menschen verbunden sind und schon beim nächsten Baum bleibe ich stehen und schaue ihn bewusster an, als ich es schon lange getan habe.
Die Geschichte der Bäume ist kein Buch, dass man von vorne nach hinten durchliest. Es ist eine Sammlung kleiner Geschichten. Erst lese ich die meiner liebsten Bäume, dann die der kuriosen Bäume und entdecke danach erst all die anderen.
Ein Museumsführer durch die Umwelt, der Spaß macht und mit viel Liebe gestaltet ist. Aber durch sein Format leider eher ein Coffee Table Book als ein wirklicher Führer, den ich zerfleddert immer im Rucksack liegen habe und immer wieder heraushole. Das könnte ja noch kommen.
January 7, 2022
I really enjoyed Kevin Hobbs' and David West's book "The Story of Trees: And how they changed the world." The book devotes two pages to different types of trees around the world -- one for illustrations and another for a few paragraphs of stories and interesting facts about how people use the trees. The stories and facts were really interesting (and I'm sure my husband is happy I'm done with this book because I kept telling him interesting facts about particular trees as I was reading.)
I will say I didn't love the illustrations. They are really pretty, but have a unique style and wouldn't be useful at all for identifying trees. Maybe Audubon type drawings of trees aren't really possible, but that the sort of thing I would have liked to see. Nevertheless, this book was a fun read.
I will say I didn't love the illustrations. They are really pretty, but have a unique style and wouldn't be useful at all for identifying trees. Maybe Audubon type drawings of trees aren't really possible, but that the sort of thing I would have liked to see. Nevertheless, this book was a fun read.
February 24, 2020
In reading Kevin Hobbs and David West’s “The Story of Trees”, I hoped to expand my knowledge of trees through better understanding each tree’s historical context. The back cover also suggested a visual experience which appealed.
Whilst the content on each tree is interesting, there was little in it I wasn’t already aware of and the only visual for each tree is an illustration. I would so have appreciated a photo as it’s hard to differentiate amongst so many from a creative interpretation. It is equally hard to appreciate the scale of each tree in relation to another. Perhaps I’ve read too much on what has become a favourite subject.
It is well researched and easy to read so if you are looking for a book to woo you into getting to know trees better, this may be one for you. It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale.
Whilst the content on each tree is interesting, there was little in it I wasn’t already aware of and the only visual for each tree is an illustration. I would so have appreciated a photo as it’s hard to differentiate amongst so many from a creative interpretation. It is equally hard to appreciate the scale of each tree in relation to another. Perhaps I’ve read too much on what has become a favourite subject.
It is well researched and easy to read so if you are looking for a book to woo you into getting to know trees better, this may be one for you. It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale.
December 7, 2019
This book talked about stories of various different types of trees. The authors tried to make the book interesting by adding in snippets of information about the history of the trees. Recommended for those who would like to learn more about the trees.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.
March 30, 2020
Poor organization and writing. With only one page per tree, it would be better to focus on the tree at hand than ramble on tangents and repeat oneself.
Both authors are too highly qualified to write the sentence (paraphrase): the avocado is botanically a drupe, but is more accurately considered a berry with a single seed.
Both authors are too highly qualified to write the sentence (paraphrase): the avocado is botanically a drupe, but is more accurately considered a berry with a single seed.
October 18, 2021
This is like a condensed encyclopedia for trees for the layperson. The artwork is lovely, and all the pertinent info you need is there as well as some interesting trivia. I really enjoyed reading this book.
September 17, 2022
Un libro maravilloso lleno de ilustraciones e historias increíbles de los árboles.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 6, 2024
Incredible book--I loved learning the history and symbolism of these significant trees!
December 31, 2019
An introduction to a variety of trees - a bit of history, myth, and other topics relating to the tree. An image before or after the information. There is a little bit of info on the image.
October 12, 2021
Un increíble libro para tener en exposición. Una edición hermosa, los detalles de la grafía son despampanantes. No es la “historia de los árboles” sino más bien pequeños datos, detalles, características. Vale cada centavo.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews