The World of Trees - by Hugh Johnson (Hardcover)

About the Book

"[Johnson] has traveled widely and delved deeply in quest of trees and tree lore, and he writes without prejudice or inhibition, eager to share his vivid enjoyment and his remarkable understanding."--Sir George Taylor, former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Book Synopsis

From well-loved oaks and pines to rare, spectacular species such as the snowbells of Japan, this lavishly illustrated work is an unparalleled guide to more than six hundred of the world's major forest and garden trees. An excellent resource for gardeners, botanists, and general readers alike, The World of Trees is a tribute to natural beauty by a superb prose stylist, an essential reference, and a practical guide for gardening. Hugh Johnson illuminates his subject in thorough and loving detail: the structure and life cycle of trees, how trees are named, trees and the weather, the use of trees in gardens and landscape design, and tree planting and care. The heart of the volume is a compendium of coniferous and deciduous trees grouped by family, describing and illustrating important species and varieties. It also includes a guide to choosing trees for the garden and an A-Z listing of the most important and popular species and varieties.

The World of Trees is a completely revised edition of Hugh Johnson's classic International Book of Trees featuring new photographs, systematic illustrations of all key tree parts, and current listings for the newest varieties and cultivars

From the Back Cover

Hugh Johnson has traveled widely and delved deeply in quest of trees and tree lore and he writes without prejudice or inhibition, eager to share his vivid enjoyment and his remarkable understanding. If you start this book with a feeling for trees, I don't see how you can finish it without loving them.--Sir George Taylor, former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew

Review Quotes

'This lavish and soulful (now that's an excellent pairing!) book will have you dreaming of strawberry trees and dove trees and fringe trees. "-- "New York Times Book Review" (12/5/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"Beautifully illustrated - a magnificent magnolia, romantic plane trees in Languedoc, larches in the Dolomites. Informative and opinionated text by Johnson. . . is just as enjoyable: "-- "Shelf Awareness" (12/3/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"Informative book. . . . Highly recommended."-- "Choice" (5/8/2011 12:00:00 AM)

"Not just an excellent research resource but a breathtakingly beautiful tribute. And what a wide variety of trees! And what splendid global examples!"-- "Toronto Globe & Mail" (12/2/2010 12:00:00 AM)

"The equivalent of a course in arboriculture for the amateur gardener and landscape professional."-- "Washington Post Book World" (11/27/2010 12:00:00 AM)

Combining gorgeous photography with friendly, authoritative writing. . . .A coffeetable book that will actually be read."-- "Martha Stewart Living" (4/1/2011 12:00:00 AM)

This compendium of more than 600 important trees is truly a celebration of the largest plant forms on earth."--Marilyn K. Alaimo "Current Books On Gardening And Botany" (2/25/2011 12:00:00 AM)

About the Author

Known to millions through his internationally best-selling wine books, Hugh Johnson is also among the world's leading writers on gardening and trees. Johnson is the author of numerous books including the annual Pocket Wine Book, The World Atlas of Wine, Hugh Johnson's Gardening Companion, and A Life Uncorked (UC Press).