What do you think?
Rate this book
The Life & Love of Trees
Trees are vital - without them we simply wouldn't be here. Not only essential, they have been an inspiration throughout our history. In breathtaking photographs and stories we are taken on a journey from the boreal forest at the edge of the Arctic to the rainforests girdling the planet; from ancient bristlecones to fresh-leaved seedlings; from the charming and familiar to the scary and rare. An elegantly written and highly accessible text is complemented by an extraordinary collection of images created by some of the world's leading nature photographers.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
287 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Blackwell
47 books14 followersLewis Blackwell has worked as a leading author, editor, and creative director in photography, winning international recognition for his talks, exhibitions, and books. Blackwell is the author of the bestselling The Life & Love of Trees, The Life & Love of Cats, The Life & Love of Dogs, and Rainforest.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
March 14, 2024
"The wonder is that we can see these trees and not wonder more." - Emerson
I recently read James Aldred's excellent The Man Who Climbs Trees - but he's a professional climber, not a photographer, and so the nature-loving artist in me wanted to pair that with a pretty picture book, and this was just perfect, (if somewhat unwieldy - bloody thing's about 15" square, so nearly a yard across when you open it up!).
Both books are almost spiritual in their reverence for these amazing giants, although I'll admit that I limited myself to the spectacular photos and helpful captions (gathered at the end of the book), but skipped the hippy-dippy "tree hugger" text scattered throughout.
You might think that by the end you'd be like "oh…another picture of trees" - but not the case. It's a big, tree-filled world out there, and so way more variety than I ever appreciated. If nothing else, it has incentivized me to take better care of our iffy cherry and red maple out front, (neither of which are indigenous to this area - but that's a whole different issue).
___________________________________
PERSONAL NOTE: In all my travels, I have to say the most amazing trees I've ever seen are right in Upstate New York's Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East," where centuries of erosion have left these Middle Earth-like trees hanging out in empty space - just remarkable and well worth a side trip for anyone visiting Niagara Falls.
I recently read James Aldred's excellent The Man Who Climbs Trees - but he's a professional climber, not a photographer, and so the nature-loving artist in me wanted to pair that with a pretty picture book, and this was just perfect, (if somewhat unwieldy - bloody thing's about 15" square, so nearly a yard across when you open it up!).
Both books are almost spiritual in their reverence for these amazing giants, although I'll admit that I limited myself to the spectacular photos and helpful captions (gathered at the end of the book), but skipped the hippy-dippy "tree hugger" text scattered throughout.
You might think that by the end you'd be like "oh…another picture of trees" - but not the case. It's a big, tree-filled world out there, and so way more variety than I ever appreciated. If nothing else, it has incentivized me to take better care of our iffy cherry and red maple out front, (neither of which are indigenous to this area - but that's a whole different issue).
___________________________________
PERSONAL NOTE: In all my travels, I have to say the most amazing trees I've ever seen are right in Upstate New York's Letchworth State Park, the "Grand Canyon of the East," where centuries of erosion have left these Middle Earth-like trees hanging out in empty space - just remarkable and well worth a side trip for anyone visiting Niagara Falls.
July 21, 2017
Many of the pics are comfortingly gorgeous. The text, though, is totally dippy.
Usually in Big Art Books whatever text there may be (good or bad) is ignorable by design. But in this one, because of the way it's laid out (sometimes with text overlaying the picture), the text is hard to ignore, like a burped alphabet at a formal dinner.
Usually in Big Art Books whatever text there may be (good or bad) is ignorable by design. But in this one, because of the way it's laid out (sometimes with text overlaying the picture), the text is hard to ignore, like a burped alphabet at a formal dinner.
August 13, 2017
Four stars for the large stunning photographs. There was some quotes that was good but on many pages they only stood out because of their size. The text was horrible though only because it was so small. I admited I just skimmed and read the paragraphs that seemed more interesting. Would have been if it was just photographs and quotes.
November 6, 2019
A gorgeous book, wonderfully illustrated.
The next best thing to walking through a forest.
The next best thing to walking through a forest.
December 30, 2019
“The Life & Love of Trees” by Lewis Blackwell
Enjoyable book to read and adore
“Let’s celebrate mycorrhizae.” (p80)
Mushrooms – the symbiotic relations between plant roots and fungi
Memories – “We plant trees with a sense of the potential of life beyond our own years … we have our hands in hope.” (p156)
..
Enjoyable book to read and adore
“Let’s celebrate mycorrhizae.” (p80)
Mushrooms – the symbiotic relations between plant roots and fungi
Memories – “We plant trees with a sense of the potential of life beyond our own years … we have our hands in hope.” (p156)
..
December 1, 2021
Absolutely stunning photography. Looking at these photos evoked the feelings of peace, calm and awe that rise in me when I am in a forest. I really enjoyed the artistic choices made by the photographer, and the natural history described in the text. Thank you so much to the author for this incredible tribute to trees. What a feast for my eyes…and my soul.
January 16, 2022
Beautiful photographs from trees and tree parts from all over the world. Read the selections accompanying the photos, or just stare at the photographs and you may find the answer. Why do we feel close to trees? Look and listen for there may be many answers....
April 5, 2023
Amazing full color pictures, some of them two page spreads in an oversized hardcover. They had this in our room at a fancy hotel. I didn’t read all of it, mostly just flipped through the pages and enjoyed the photos
March 13, 2018
This book was on display at our library. I eyed it every week, yet my husband was the one who actually checked it out. We both enjoyed it very much. Gorgeous photos!
August 28, 2018
Beautiful.
March 31, 2010
I literally just hugged this book. Major eye candy for tree lovers. A forest of tree trunks in a field of purple...a family of Norway maple trees turning the grass powder white with spring flowers...lemony autumn leaves glowing in the sunshine. Damn, I love trees.
Favorite Quotes:
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.
I want to do to you what spring does with the cherry trees.
He that plants trees loves others beside himself.
Favorite Quotes:
Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.
I like trees because they seem more resigned to the way they have to live than other things do.
I want to do to you what spring does with the cherry trees.
He that plants trees loves others beside himself.
January 26, 2016
While visiting my cousin, Cindy, in October 2011 I saw this book at the Mall of America in Minnesota. Fell in love with the pictures! I came home and put it on my wish list at Amazon.com. Waited for 5 months, then finally took the plunge and splurged (bought it for myself at a 37 % savings over the mall price). Received the book 3/28 and poured over it for about an hour that evening. Wonderful coffee table book - but with toddler grandchildren my treasure may have to hide under the couch for a bit!
August 10, 2016
I love having over-sized photography books that detail topics of fascination to young children (and many adults). I use this book in my preschool classroom as a reference for those thinking about trees and plant life. The book is particularly valuable to me because it reflects tree life through many season. A BEAUTIFUL book for photography.
May 1, 2012
This is my favourite book of all time....it encompasses everythig to me, I love it beyond words....
my favourite quote is 'the meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit...'
my favourite quote is 'the meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not expect to sit...'
December 1, 2010
Gorgeous book! Not only are the pictures exquisite, but the writing is also exceptional.
March 12, 2010
didn't have time to read the text- mostly looked at the gorgeous pictures.
April 22, 2010
Stunning photography and apt quotes. Perfect earth day book!
April 11, 2010
Beautiful AND thoughtful!
May 24, 2010
This is a book I would like to own. I will be watching for it in sales and used book stores.
April 11, 2011
Gorgeous! Perfect gift for all serious "arbophiles".
June 27, 2010
A gorgeous book of pictures.
March 12, 2012
I stumbled upon this in the library. The pictures are breath taking. The can take you from anxiety to relaxed in seconds.
September 2, 2012
Oh I love this book, it is beautiful!!
November 27, 2012
Beautiful book of photographs of trees. I love it and want to own one!
April 25, 2013
Such beautiful words and pictures! I only wish it were still in print.
June 6, 2013
Beautiful, large hard-cover book with glorious photography, showing trees in a most unique and unusual way.
December 22, 2014
Nice pictorial book on trees from around the world
April 23, 2015
Gorgeous. Breath taking.
August 8, 2015
I heart trees. :)
May 12, 2016
This is a gorgeous book of photos and information but it is extremely heavy! Best to look at it at a table. :-)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews