Trees Ancient and Modern - by Charles Watkins (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Leafed with illustrations and branching into many realms of human thought, an exploration of the beauty, importance, and precarity of forests. While trees are celebrated as symbols of natural beauty, they are increasingly at risk from climate change, disease, fires, and urban expansion. Trees Ancient and Modern explores humanity's deep connection with trees and woodlands, highlighting their splendor and importance and the challenges they face. The book examines debates about creating new woodlands, exploring questions of location, ownership, and management. Using diverse sources such as literature, art, historical records, scientific surveys, and oral histories, Charles Watkins reveals how people have used, valued, and understood forests over time. He also evaluates modern threats to woodlands and considers how best to conserve them. Richly illustrated, this is a global social and cultural history of forests that provides valuable insights for future management."--

Book Synopsis

Leafed with illustrations and branching into many realms of human thought, an exploration of the beauty, importance, and precarity of forests.

While trees are celebrated as symbols of natural beauty, they are increasingly at risk from climate change, disease, fires, and urban expansion. Trees Ancient and Modern explores humanity's deep connection with trees and woodlands, highlighting their splendor and importance and the challenges they face. The book examines debates about creating new woodlands, exploring questions of location, ownership, and management. Using diverse sources such as literature, art, historical records, scientific surveys, and oral histories, Charles Watkins reveals how people have used, valued, and understood forests over time. He also evaluates modern threats to woodlands and considers how best to conserve them. Richly illustrated, this is a global social and cultural history of forests that provides valuable insights for future management.

Review Quotes

"A fascinating journey in space and time across a variety of woody landscapes in Europe and beyond; richly illustrated and captivatingly written, the book is a delight to tree lovers and a unique source for scholars interested in the complex relation between humans, cultures, and trees."--Pietro Piana, associate professor in economic and political geography, University of Genoa

"When many see large-scale reforestation as one means of combating the current climate emergency, this new book on the cultural and historical geographies of trees and tree places from one of Britain's leading arboricultural authorities is very welcome indeed. Watkins accompanies us into the woods, tarrying at individual ancient or remarkable trees, sylvan glades, sun-dappled copses, dark forbidding forests, and colorful carpets of distinctive woodland flora. This well-illustrated book is enriched by delicately drawn case studies and examples that will appeal to general readers, tree professionals, and academics alike. By reminding us so cogently and vividly of humanity's multifarious interactions with trees and forests across millennia, Watkins' rich and timely study will educate, enthuse, and embolden arbophiles everywhere."--Paul Elliott, professor of modern history, University of Derby

About the Author

Charles Watkins is professor of rural geography at the University of Nottingham. His books include Trees in Art and Trees, Woods and Forests, both also published by Reaktion Books.