The Story of Trees: And How They Changed the World

"Wonderful stories and in-depth information you will normally never find in books about trees." — Piet Oudolf, Landscape Designer and creator of the planting design for New York’s High Line

"Entwining fascinating facts about 100 trees with inspiring stories of their importance to ancient civilizations, trade, religious and pagan beliefs, wellbeing and medicinal uses over the ages, this delightful and well-researched book provokes curiosity on every page." — Dr. Alexandra Wagstaffe, Eden Project Learning

The Story of Trees takes the reader on a visual journey from some of the earliest known tree species on our planet to the latest fruit cultivars.

The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo Biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species, and how specific trees have become important religious, political, and cultural symbols.

With beautiful illustrations by Thibaud Herem and fascinating botanical facts and figures, this book will appeal to tree lovers from all over the world.

"Within these pages, we hope to inform and inspire those who already have a love of trees, as well as those who otherwise may have taken them for granted. The Story of Treesis our story, but also that of our ancestors. It is about our relationship with some of the world's most important trees, both on a local scale and globally. With so many trees to choose from, we have endeavored to feature those that have been, and in most cases continue to be, of cultural and practical value to humankind."
— From the Introduction of The Story of Trees

David West runs his own nursery business, specializing in the commercial production of rare trees, and he runs a mail order nursery, PlantsToPlant.com.

Kevin Hobbs is a professional grower and plantsman with over 30 years' experience in the horticulture industry. He is Head of Research and Development at world-renowned Hillier Nurseries in Hampshire, UK.