Remarkable Trees of the World

British historian and photographer Thomas Pakenham has spent the last decade investigating the lives of the world's most dramatic trees — many of which are in danger of destruction.

Some of these trees were already famous — champions by girth, height, mass or age — while others had never previously been caught by the camera.

They span most of the temperate and many of the tropical regions of the world — from Europe to the remote regions of Mexico, Asia, northern and southern Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

Despite Mr. Pakenham's expert knowledge, Remarkable Trees of the World does not require the reader to have any background in conventional botany. Instead, its chapters are arranged according to the character of the trees themselves — such as "Giants," "Dwarfs," "Shrines," "Dreams" and "Lovers."

Drawing on a range of knowledge — from The Lord of the Rings to the discoveries of 19th century naturalists — Mr. Pakenham melds science, history and local legend into an insightful profile about each tree.

At a time when natural wonders of our world are fast disappearing, Mr. Pakenham has used his gifts as a writer and photographer to create a work that celebrates the diversity and stunning beauty of the world's trees.

About Thomas Pakenham

Thomas Pakenham is the author of highly acclaimed works of history including The Scramble for Africa (1992) and The Boer War (1992).

He achieved worldwide success several years ago with Meetings with Remarkable Trees (1998) — a collection of 60 individual trees in Britain and Ireland. The book was made into a television special of the same name in the United Kingdom.