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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.
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