Reviews

This engrossing and visually appealing book is intended as a celebration of some of the world's oldest living trees. By the authors' own admission, it is not a definitive guide to all of the world's ancient trees. Lewington, an environmental and children's book writer, and photographer Parker have selected some of the nearly 100 species they have identified as living 1000 years or longer. Trees from all around the world are represented: redwood, bristlecone pine, Brazil nut, yew, oak, lime, olive, baobab, fig, cedar, ginkgo, and others. Parker's many beautiful, full-color images contribute a great deal, but what makes this book especially interesting is a discussion of the roles these trees have played through the ages in human religions, myths, economies, and everyday life. Ancient Trees should appeal to a wide audience and is recommended for public, school, and undergraduate college libraries.ÄWilliam H. Wiese, Iowa State Univ. Lib., Ames Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information.