Trees: Woodland and Western Civilization - Hardcover

Hayman, Richard

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1852852992 ISBN 13: 9781852852993

Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic, 2004

Synopsis

In this book, Richard Hayman traces the different values and virtues people have seen in trees and forests over the course of history, reflecting the changing use of woodland and the effects of deforestation and urbanization. Tacitus, followed by Romantics and historians of liberty, located freedom in the German forests. Medieval forests were both protected hunting parks and the refuge of Robin Hood. Shakespeare contrasted the simplicity of life in the Forest of Arden with the artificial manners of the court. Since the 18th century, poets such as Wordsworth, Clare, and Hardy have drawn inspiration from trees. How we see trees today will dictate how trees are treated in the future.

About this title

Book Description:

Trees are special, being bigger than us both physically and metaphorically. Trees: Woodlands and Western Civilization is an account of our relationship with them. Adam and Eve were expelled from Eden for eating from the Tree of Knowledge and the great tree Yggdrasil was central to Norse mythology. Tacitus, followed by German nationalists, located freedom in the forests. Poets from Virgil to Hardy have drawn inspiration from trees. Shakespeare drew simple virtues in the Forest of Arden and Henry Thoreau withdrew to the American woods to reintegrate himself with Nature. Throughout history, our views of trees have been affected by the changing uses of woodland. Strikingly illustrated, this book will appeal to cultural historians, environmentalists and nature enthusiasts--indeed to the many millions who love trees.

About the Author:

Richard Hayman is the author of Riddles in Stone: Myths, Archaeology and the Ancient Britons. He lives in the United Kingdom.

About this edition

• Publisher: Bloomsbury Academic
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 1852852992
• ISBN 13: 9781852852993
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 256