Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot. Each tree is present with a page of text and an illustration. Enjoy this information look at trees.

very concise and informative, the layout also provides ease of reference as well as making it an enjoyable read.

This is a beautiful book - the illustrations are gorgeous (I did manage to borrow a physical copy of this one from the library, though I read it as an eARC from NetGalley), and the layout is beautiful and simple. However, I don't think it's a book where you can sit down and read from start to finish (or at least, it isn't for me). After a few entries I found myself getting bored, and I didn't want to pick up the book when I wasn't reading it. So, whilst I think this is a lovely reference book, I'm dnfing it for now.

A wonderful and beautiful book. I love nature and learning about trees, plants etc. So this was a must read for me. The writing manages to be informative without being dry in my opinion. Just lovely!

This book is basically what the title says. I loved it so much, it's easy to read and to understand.
I think we sometimes go through live without thinking about trees, so we're missing a lot of information about them.

Very educational.

This was a really interesting book. The subject may seem a bit niche (I personally had never read a book about trees!) but it was so interesting and brought so many little-known facts together on a range of subjects - history, ancient beliefs, science... that it ended up being exactly the type of book I enjoy. It was engaging and well-written, and it made me feel like learning more about different varieties of trees so I can spot them on my commute.

Thank you #NetGalley for the review copy of #TheStoryOfTrees

This is a great book for anyone with an interest in trees or nature, regardless of your level of existing knowledge. The book takes a very atypical and intriguing approach to the order of the trees and the contents in the descriptions. For each tree, there is a description with botanical facts, geographical distribution over time, and most importantly how this tree has impacted humanity and our lifestyles. The trees are presented in an order derived from their effects on humanity., rather than grouping by geographical area of origin, date of discovery, or presumed date the species originated. For each tree, there is a full-page illustration that also includes text with basic statistics/facts and the opposite page is a full-page text story integrating the botanical and geographical facts with the facts of how the human race was affected by the tree.

In The Story of Trees, Kevin Hobbs and David West take us on a voyage of discovery of some of our greatest treasures. Whether you’re a tree lover or someone with a mild interest, The Story of Trees is a simple and accessible guide of these “old friends” as Dr Alexandra Wagstaffe calls them and comes in a simple one-page format dedicated to each variety.

Lovingly illustrated by Thibaud Hérem the reader is taken on a whirlwind view of each tree with illustrations not only of the trees but also of their fruit, nuts and berries and a cultural history of each species and although not an extensive history of our wooden friends it serves as a wonderful introduction to anyone even remotely interested in learning about the natural world around them.

At the beginning of The Story of Trees, I wasn’t sure if this was a book I’d enjoy, and although essentially a reference book it’s certainly one that’s easily accessible and with ‘bite-size chunks of information it doesn’t overload the reader with too much information but gives the reader a glimpse into how our human history has been reliant upon our trees and highlighting that they did indeed change the world.

•  The Story of Trees: And How They Changed the World by Kevin Hobbs & David West is published by Laurence King Publishing (£25.00). To order a copy go to www.laurenceking.com

In reading Kevin Hobbs and David West’s “The Story of Trees”, I hoped to expand my knowledge of trees through better understanding each tree’s historical context. The back cover also suggested a visual experience which appealed.

Whilst the content on each tree is interesting, there was little in it I wasn’t already aware of and the only visual for each tree is an illustration. I would so have appreciated a photo as it’s hard to differentiate amongst so many from a creative interpretation. It is equally hard to appreciate the scale of each tree in relation to another. Perhaps I’ve read too much on what has become a favourite subject.

It is well researched and easy to read so if you are looking for a book to woo you into getting to know trees better, this may be one for you. It’s a three out of five on the enJOYment scale.

The Story of Trees takes the reader on a visual journey from some of the earliest known tree species on our planet to the latest fruit cultivars.

The chosen trees have all had a profound effect on the planet and humankind. Starting with the Ginkgo biloba, fossils of which date back 270 million years, we learn about how trees came to be integral to the development of our species and how specific trees have become important religious, political and cultural symbols.

Simply written biographies about each different species really give you a great perspective on what each one is know for, it’s origins and it’s use sometimes in the social history of where it came from. Nature is fascinating and this book does a great job of making that clear, with facts accompanying the pages to give you an insight into these fascinating subjects .

Accompanying these biographies are some really incredible pieces of art byThibaud Herem which really brought these fantastic living things to life. Beautiful illustrations from the beginning of the book, the detail in every picture is incredible and well worth looking at this book just for that.
If you want to be more informed of the living things around you, this is a beautiful book to begin at.

Trees are getting a lot of attention at the moment, as people start to see them as a potential ally in facing the climate emergency. It is an essential lesson for our species to understand that we are not separate from nature, we are not to laud it over our natural environment, but we are sustained by a mysterious life support system that we must care for and respect.

The Story of Trees is a beautifully illustrated guide to different species of tree across the world and the ways that they have supported and helped us over the course of human history. With a double page spread on each species it creates an excellent reference work that can be read through or dipped into and returned to time and again.

The illustrations are attractive and detailed and supported by cutaways where appropriate of fruits and seeds. The accompanying words detail some basic facts alongside the human history of each tree, the way they have helped to shape and sustain human life through their wide variety of gifts. It has been brilliantly researched and contains a wealth of knowledge that can only enhance our relationship with the world around us.

It is an education and a joy to spend time amongst the wonder of trees from all around the world and hopefully an inspiration to walk out and meet those that thrive locally, acknowledging them as far more than a pretty view or shelter from unexpected rain. The Story of Trees will see you regularly returning to your bookshelf, not just a reference guide but a retreat to refresh your spirits. A lovely book.

An introduction to a variety of trees - a bit of history, myth, and other topics relating to the tree. An image before or after the information. There is a little bit of info on the image.

This book talked about stories of various different types of trees. The authors tried to make the book interesting by adding in snippets of information about the history of the trees. Recommended for those who would like to learn more about the trees.

I received a free copy of the book from NetGalley.

A gorgeous and accessible book about trees of the world, with an emphasis on plant-people interaction.

In a format of a page of text per tree species, paired with a full-page illustration of the tree, The Story of Trees, offers information of interest as much to the layperson as to the tree expert. Information covered includes country of origin, history (in conjunction with humans), climate and habitat, ethnographic/commercial/medicinal/spiritual use, and toxicity. Gardeners and budding aboriculturalists will be interested in the details on rate of growth and size at maturity.

Where botanical terms are used, these are explained in straightforward language.

With such a format, some details have to be cut. Only the most significant facts about any one tree are included. So, for instance, the method of seed dispersal for one tree will be listed, but not for another. I would also have liked consistent inset illustrations of each tree's leaves, to better identify the tree in cultivation.

This book will make readers want to spend time in city parks, arboreta, botanical gardens, the countryside. For the reader enthused to plant a tree, and you know it makes sense for the good of the climate and our wellbeing, please consider tree sponsorship or adoption.

My thanks to NetGalley and Laurence King Publishing Limited for the ARC.

An intimate portrait of trees, accessibly written. The format of giving individual double page spreads to each type of tree means you can dip in and out, but the sequence they are presented in builds a brilliant cohesive narrative too.

An "alternative" story of trees, told through their discovery and use over time. Beautiful drawings and good stories to remember the differences, for those like me who have never known how to distinguish one tree from another.

Una storia "alternativa" degli alberi, raccontata attraverso la loro scoperta ed il loro utilizzo nel tempo. Bei disegni e ottimi storie per ricordarsi le differenze, per chi come me non ha mai saputo distinguere un albero dall'altro.

THANKS NETGALLEY FOR THE ARC!