The Splendour of the Tree: An Illustrated History - Hardcover

Kingsbury, Noel

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0711235805 ISBN 13: 9780711235809

Publisher: Frances Lincoln, 2014

Synopsis

Written by Dr. Noel Kingsbury-a world-class expert on plants and the environment-The Splendor of the Tree celebrates the wonder, mystery, beauty, and utility of the tree. It pays homage to 100 key species of tree-chosen for their cultural, economic, or historical signicance and their importance in the natural world-and includes an indispensable cultivation section that advises on the care and selection of trees for the home garden.

The lively, original text analyses the particular characteristics of each tree and the specic role that it plays within the ecosystem and the human environment. Breathtaking, specially commissioned photography by Andrea Jones-one of the world's foremost garden photographers-skillfully captures the nuances of every featured tree. From exquisite close-up detail shots to images of impeccable orchards in bloom, her photographs are both beautiful and informative.ÿ

Andrea Jones won Book Photographer of the Year at the Garden Media Guild Awards 2014

About this title

About the Author:

Noel Kingsbury has been described as "the voice of authority with renegade undertones". A gardener since childhood, he has run a nursery, designed gardens and public spaces and done doctoral research at the University of Sheffield's Department of Landscape. He is best known for his promotion of naturalistic planting design, but is passionate about any kind of innovation in the garden. Noel has written more than 20 books on garden matters, including four with Piet Oudolf. He lives and gardens near Hay-on-Wye. www.noelkingsbury.comNoel Kingsbury is a leading exponent of contemporary naturalistic planting design. He contributes regularly to The Garden, Homes and Gardens, Hortus and the English Garden and writes occasional pieces for many other magazines and newspapers including the Financial Times and Country Life.

Review:

‘With beautiful photography by Andrea Jones, The Splendour of the Tree, by plant expert Noel Kingsbury, analysis the cultural, historic and economic significance of 100 key species of tree and their role in the ecosystem.’

'The historic, economic, ecological and cultural significance - not to mention general majesty - of 100 key species of tree from around the world has been investigated by environmental expert Noel Kingsbury, and brought together in this coffee-table-format reference book, with photograph by Andrea Jones.'ÿ

`With beautiful photography by Andrea Jones, The Splendour of the Tree, by plant expert Noel Kingsbury, analysis the cultural, historic and economic significance of 100 key species of tree and their role in the ecosystem.'

`Some of the trees profiled in this book are a reminder of the splendour that they attain when given opportunities to achieve their full potential. Noel Kingsbury's text is both entertaining and authoritative. Andrea Jones's exquisite photographs capture the character of most subjects. An interesting and useful book.'

`This splendid book pays homage to arguably, the most significant life form on Earth - the noble tree. The Splendour of the Tree is a feast - both a visual feast due to the breathtaking images captured by photographer, Andrea Jones, and a factual feast as a result of the fascinating histories that renowned plant expert Dr Noel Kingsbury provides on these vital living treasures. A fine literary addition for any natural history fan.'

`An innovative structure for this visually arresting study.'

`This illustrated history of the tree pays homage to 100 key species.'

`A captivating new book pays homage to the wonder, mystery and splendour of our trees.'

`This may be the most restful book published this year. Simply turning its pages sends you into a meditative trance. Kingsbury provides the words and the academic heft, but it's Jones's photos that will make you purr. She photographs trees as though you have chanced upon them on a particularly fortuitous country walk, in perfect weather, with no one else around and no cowpats to step in. Many of these trees look as though they could tell you a story or two if you stuck around long enough. Their beauty will warm the cockles of the coldest winter heart.'

`Stunning Images'

‘This may be the most restful book published this year. Simply turning its pages sends you into a meditative trance. Kingsbury provides the words and the academic heft, but it’s Jones’s photos that will make you purr. She photographs trees as though you have chanced upon them on a particularly fortuitous country walk, in perfect weather, with no one else around and no cowpats to step in. Many of these trees look as though they could tell you a story or two if you stuck around long enough. Their beauty will warm the cockles of the coldest winter heart.’

‘Stunning Images’

About this edition

• Publisher: Frances Lincoln
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0711235805
• ISBN 13: 9780711235809
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 228