Another resounding success in the "Little Book" series.
I suspect that many readers of my blog are familiar with the magnificent work, The World Atlas of Trees and Forests by Herman Shugart, Peter White, Sassan Saatchi and Jérôme Chave (Princeton University Press), so you will no doubt be pleased to see the names of two of these eminent biologists as authors of this little book. It furnishes an impressive validation of the superlative qualities of the books; small in size yet rich in detail, knowledge compressed but excellence never sacrificed.
Tugce Okay proves once again that she is an artist of high merit with her exquisite illustrations.
More than once I found myself lingering over her pictures, taking in the details, savouring the moment.
As I continue to examine these "Little Books" I marvel anew at the ability of the authors to compress information into two pages, yet leave the reader with a distinct understanding of the topic at hand. Let me cite just a few examples at random from this volume: "Mechanics of Growing Tall Trees," "Unique Root Macro Structures," "Crown Shyness," Seed Dispersal," "Bark as an Adaptation to Fire," "Root-feeding Insects."
You could approach a topic with little or no prior knowledge, yet gain a clear understanding of the processes at work, all in a couple of pages. It is really quite remarkable.
Shugart and White have done a magnificent job.
Let me conclude with their final sentence in the Introduction, "It is our hope that The Little Book of Trees will ignite your interest in these impressive plants and inspire you to help to conserve them against the damaging effects of climate change, pollution, overharvesting, and habitat loss."
If there's a declaration that needs to be taken more seriously, I can't think what it is.
The Little Book of Trees - Princeton University Press
Herman Shugart and Peter White; illustrated by Tugce Okay
Hardcover - US$14.95 - ISBN: 9780691251790
160 pages - 3.75 x 6 inches (9.375 x 15 cm)
Publication date: 02 April, 2024
These little books do seem quite amazing! Thanks for sharing. :)
ReplyDeleteI love trees almost as much as you love birds. that tree in the first photo with the root system is an amazing tree. there are several of them in Selby Gardens, Sarasota FL about 10 miles from our home. I have spent many happy hours wandering there looking at all the trees. it is more about trees than flowers.. the artist is truly gifted
ReplyDeleteI wouldn’t want to live without trees.
Delete...trees are amazing things and many are friends of mine.
ReplyDeleteYou’d be hard pressed to find better friends, Tom.
DeleteThis is the book that I would love to have. Can't recognize any of the trees over here.
ReplyDeleteYou have again ignited my bookie lust. Shame on you.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great approach to understanding a tree.
ReplyDeleteSeguro que me gustarían. Besos.
ReplyDelete