Preface; 1. An overview; 2. Leaves: the food producers; 3. Trunk and branches: more than a connecting drainpipe; 4. Roots: the hidden tree; 5. Towards the next generation: flowers, fruits and seeds; 6. The growing tree; 7. The shape of trees; 8. The next generation: new trees from old; 9. Age, health, damage and death: living in a hostile world; 10. Trees and us; Further reading; Index.
An updated and revised edition providing an introduction to all aspects of tree biology and ecology.
Peter Thomas is senior lecturer in botanical and environmental science at Keele University, UK with 30 years of experience in ecological aspects of trees and forest ecology in the UK, North and Central America, Europe, Africa, Russia and Australasia. He has written two other books for Cambridge University Press: Ecology of Woodlands and Forests (with John Packham, 2007) and Fire in the Forest (with Robert S. McAlpine, 2010).
Praise from the previous edition: 'Never less than interesting, it
is written in non-technical language that is consistently
illuminating ...' New Scientist
Praise from the previous edition: '... an excellent book ... The
author has used an easy-to-read style with occasional quirky asides
to keep the readers' attention ...' Bulletin, British Ecological
Society
Praise from the previous edition: 'So, if trees have always
fascinated you and if you have any trees in your guardianship, read
this book. Even a quick skimming of its pages will enlighten you
and make you curious to know more.' Sue Roe, Gardens
Illustrated
Praise from the previous edition: '... [the author's] enthusiasm
and love of trees is apparent on every page ... it has become my
'tree bible'. I hope it will become yours!' The Dendrologist
'A thoughtful and informative book, logically and sequentially set
out for anyone with an interest in trees, whether professional or
amateur. The reader is guided through the physiological and
structural characteristics of the tree, through its life cycle from
seed to antiquity and finally to an exploration of the relationship
between trees and people ... The text, which flows smoothly with
academic rigour, succeeds in communicating in an easy to read
fashion for both academic and the non academic. Each section is
punctuated with interesting and useful snippets of information from
around the world related to the specific chapter topic being
discussed and each chapter can be read independently of the others
... The text is well supported by excellent photographs and
beautifully drawn graphics which enhance and clarify the subject
matter throughout the book ... It is the combination of all the
factors above which makes this book so useful and interesting.'
Keith Sacre, Barcham Trees
'Peter Thomas has a rare ability to communicate complex biological
processes in an accessible way while offering the understanding of
a real expert. The first edition succeeded in the author's aim of
bringing together a dispersed literature on the natural history of
trees. This edition expands and updates the first edition with
recent insights into the biology and ecology of trees and their
relationship to us. I consider it to be essential reading for all
those with a personal or professional interest in trees and am
convinced every reader will gain a deeper understanding of trees
from the rich content of this book. Even if you are only casually
interested in trees, buy it, read it and be inspired by their
fascinating life!' Andrew Hirons, Myerscough College
'I look forward to second editions because there is always a
synthesis of more literature and stronger evidence for hypotheses.
This volume lives up to the highest of expectations. It is an
encyclopedia of neat ideas on the features of trees. The
photography and choice of figures and tables add to the clarity of
explanations. The concluding chapter resonates with current
societal issues of environmentalism, nature attention deficit, and
back-to-nature movements ... This contribution speaks to a wide
readership of gardeners, students, and naturalists. Dr Thomas is a
master communicator in melding the topic of trees into the everyday
experiences of the reader. He personalizes science ... This book is
like visiting a botanical garden with a guide who has travelled the
world; and Dr Thomas has travelled the world to find these gems of
information. After reading this book the reader will no longer look
at a tree with indifference.' Ross W. Wein, Professor Emeritus,
University of Alberta
'The best general work on trees to come out in 2014 ... this book
offers fascinating insights and can be usefully read by anyone,
student, amateur or professional, and should be on any reading
list.' Pro Arb Magazine
'The much-abused term 'well-written' sits very comfortably here;
you could buy this book for an aspiring young biologist, a relative
with an interest in trees, your local landscape architect or
planner ... If you bought the first edition, this one is newer and
better. If you didn't buy it last time, think again.' Alan Crowden,
Bulletin, British Ecological Society
"A thoughtful and informative book, logically and sequentially set
out for anyone with an interest in trees, whether professional or
amateur. The reader is guided through the physiological and
structural characteristics of the tree, through its life cycle from
seed to antiquity and finally to an exploration of the relationship
between trees and people ... The text, which flows smoothly with
academic rigour, succeeds in communicating in an easy to read
fashion for both academic and the non academic. Each section is
punctuated with interesting and useful snippets of information from
around the world related to the specific chapter topic being
discussed and each chapter can be read independently of the others
... The text is well supported by excellent photographs and
beautifully drawn graphics which enhance and clarify the subject
matter throughout the book ... It is the combination of all the
factors above which makes this book so useful and interesting."
Keith Sacre, Barcham Trees
"Peter Thomas has a rare ability to communicate complex biological
processes in an accessible way while offering the understanding of
a real expert. The first edition succeeded in the author's aim of
bringing together a dispersed literature on the natural history of
trees. This edition expands and updates the first edition with
recent insights into the biology and ecology of trees and their
relationship to us. I consider it to be essential reading for all
those with a personal or professional interest in trees and am
convinced every reader will gain a deeper understanding of trees
from the rich content of this book. Even if you are only casually
interested in trees, buy it, read it and be inspired by their
fascinating life!" Andrew Hirons, Myerscough College
"I look forward to second editions because there is always a
synthesis of more literature and stronger evidence for hypotheses.
This volume lives up to the highest of expectations. It is an
encyclopedia of neat ideas on the features of trees. The
photography and choice of figures and tables add to the clarity of
explanations. The concluding chapter resonates with current
societal issues of environmentalism, nature attention deficit, and
back-to-nature movements ... This contribution speaks to a wide
readership of gardeners, students, and naturalists. Dr Thomas is a
master communicator in melding the topic of trees into the everyday
experiences of the reader. He personalizes science ... This book is
like visiting a botanical garden with a guide who has travelled the
world; and Dr Thomas has travelled the world to find these gems of
information. After reading this book the reader will no longer look
at a tree with indifference." Ross W. Wein, Professor Emeritus,
University of Alberta
"The best general work on trees to come out in 2014 ... this book
offers fascinating insights and can be usefully read by anyone,
student, amateur or professional, and should be on any reading
list." Pro Arb Magazine
"The much-abused term "well-written" sits very comfortably here;
you could buy this book for an aspiring young biologist, a relative
with an interest in trees, your local landscape architect or
planner ... If you bought the first edition, this one is newer and
better. If you didn't buy it last time, think again." Alan Crowden,
Bulletin, British Ecological Society
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
