The Trees That Lived a Long, Long Time by Fiona Stafford Publisher: Beijing United Publishing Company

Introduction · · · · · ·
The author introduces 17 common trees in 17 chapters, including cherry trees, olive trees, cypress trees, oak trees, ash trees, poplar trees, holly trees, birch trees, elm trees, willow trees, pine trees, and apple trees. The author reveals the historical evolution, cultural significance, and important influence of these trees in Western civilization from the perspectives of folklore, natural science, literature, cultural history, European art, religion, ancient mythology, modern medicine, and daily uses. With beautiful text and exquisite illustrations, the book is full of interesting discoveries, unique insights, and profound philosophical thoughts about trees, which will also inspire readers to think about the relationship between man and trees, the relationship between man and the environment, and the relationship between man and nature.

★If you only want to understand the biological characteristics of trees, then you will miss an opportunity to understand Western civilization. The author unfolds the complex connection between trees and literature, European art, folklore, ancient mythology, modern medicine and religion in the long history, revealing the historical evolution, cultural significance and important influence of these trees in Western civilization, fully demonstrating the rich history and culture of the West related to trees, and also providing us with a macro perspective to understand the world.

★Poetic popular science that can be understood by liberal arts students, and a must-have general reading for science students. This book is full of scientific knowledge and historical anecdotes, with beautiful writing and extensive citations, showing philosophical thinking in ordinary things. It quotes a lot of beautiful poems by famous poets such as Wordsworth and Shelley, as well as unique British folk songs, and also involves and shows the creative process and works of famous painters such as Monet, etc. The article has a heavy feeling.

★Exquisite illustrations, rich text and pictures. Most of the works in the book are paintings. Famous paintings and exquisite illustrations are selected to match the text, which is more intuitive and concrete. The book is beautifully bound, highlighting its literary temperament.