Description

‘An irresistible celebration’ Michael Palin
‘A thrilling journey of discovery’ Tristan Gooley
‘Original thought, and cutting-edge research’ Sophy Roberts
‘The tree is the hero in his book.’ The Times

The Great Tree Story explores the profound influence that trees have had on our planet and civilization. Delving into their evolutionary beginnings, their cultural significance, and the impact that agriculture, colonization, and the Industrial Revolution have had on their survival – this book recounts the resilient life of trees across the ages.

Combining global travel and in-depth research, explorer Levison Wood plots the history of trees alongside our own – from the rainforests of Brazil to the war-torn regions of Ukraine – and centres their stories as the bearers of ancient wisdom.

This is a vital retelling of our natural history, and one that determines our own future.

Publisher Review

A thrilling journey of discovery! Levison Wood is our passionate guide as we head through time and across the world in the company of trees. — Tristan Gooley Levison Wood has done the impossible. To tell the story of trees in a single book is a Herculean task, but one that he has resoundingly achieved. — Merlin Hanbury-Tenison, author of Our Oaken Bones Levison Wood is a great adventurer and a wonderful storyteller. — Sir Ranulph Fiennes Britain’s best-loved adventurer. * The Times * A thrilling, moving, and convincing journey through the life of trees. — Will Storr, author of The Status Game This powerful book brims with curiosity, original thought, and cutting-edge research, but amidst the wonder, you can also hear the haunting ‘cry’ of the natural world. — Sophy Roberts, The Lost Pianos of Siberia This isn’t just a book about trees – it’s about relationship. Lev reminds us that for many Indigenous peoples, the forest is family. Kin, not resource. In hearing their voices, we’re not only invited to remember – but to recognise that we, too, belong. — Bruce Parry The tree is the hero in his book. * The Times * A manifesto for rewilding the human spirit. * Eclectica * This is a powerful book . . . The Great Tree Story is an irresistible celebration; exciting, informative, and as climate change accelerates, something we should all know more about’. — Michael Palin