The Folklore of Trees and Shrubs

This massive ``who's who'' of trees and shrubs presents 100 species in a clear, informative style with two-color line drawings of both the tree and leaf of each. doubtful that book covers EVERY species, or that lifeless drawings (see below) can offer a `total' view If the drawings lack imagination and life, the text certainly makes up for this with its thorough, energetic and affectionate look at some of the oldest and grandest of our gardening ancestors--trees. Each entry includes the common and botanical names of the species, followed by the family it belongs to, and a detailed and precise description of the tree, its origins and how to grow it. Martin ( The Wildflower Meadow Book ) then launches into a wonderfully suggestive account of the history and mythology of the tree or shrub, each time pointing up the long relationship between trees and people. One learns that the most common of trees have extraordinary symbolic heritages: the flowering almond signifies hope, according to English poets; in Norse legend, the massive ash tree is believed to hold up the sky--its leaves are thought to be the clouds and its fruit the stars; according to the Bible, the cross on which Jesus died was made of dogwood. Trees, as symbols of life, strength and abundance, are essential reminders of the importance of our environment. This book, sharing the same qualities, is as well. (Apr.)