Trees: Their Natural History

Trees are familiar components of many landscapes, vital to the healthy functioning of the global ecosystem and unparalled in the range of materials which they provide for human use. Yet how much do we really understand about how they work? This 2000 book provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural history of trees, presenting information on all aspects of tree biology and ecology in an easy to read and concise text. Fascinating insights into the workings of these everyday plants are uncovered throughout the book, with questions such as how are trees designed, how do they grow and reproduce, and why do they eventually die tackled in an illuminating way. Written for a non-technical audience, the book is nonetheless rigorous in its treatment and will therefore provide a valuable source of reference for beginning students as well as those with a less formal interest in this fascinating group of plants.

Table of Contents:
1. An overview; 2. Leaves - the food producers; 3. The 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. Health, damage and death - living in a hostile world; Index.

Review :
'Never less than interesting, it is written in non-technical language that is consistently illuminating ...' New Scientist ' ... an excellent book ... The author has used an easy-to-read style with occasional quirky asides to keep the readers' attention ... The text is well-supported by line drawings, boxes and some black-and-white photographs. References are used only sparingly, but there is a good further reading list at the end of the chapter.' Keith Kirby, Bulletin of the British Ecological Society 'Peter Thomas illustrates his arguments well with clear line drawings and photographs ... overall it is a valuable, enjoyable addition to the literature.' Jeffrey Burley, Oxford Forestry Institute '... a thoroughly readable book, well produced, representing good value for money, and I would happily recommend it.' Jim McAdam, Biologist 'Peter Thomas illustrates his arguments well with clear line drawings and photographs ... overall it is a valuable, enjoyable addition to the literature.' Jeffrey Burley, Thesis ' ... overall it is a valuable, enjoyable addition to the literature.' Jeffrey Burley, Times Higher Education Supplement ' ... a wealth of information for the general reader ... without becoming an intimidating ecological text.' Mineral Planning '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, Garden's Illustrated '... this book was a pleasure to read. I will order it for my forest ecology class.' David Greene, The Quarterly Review of Biology 'This is just the book I've been waiting for! Peter Thomas has written a readable, interesting, but essentially factual book ... This is all proper scientific material, documents with references and further reading, but the style is highly readable.' International Tree Foundation '...[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