Remarkable Trees of the World - Tapa dura

Following on from his highly successful "Meetings with Remarkable Trees", Thomas Pakenham steps away from Britain and Ireland and traverses the globe in search of 60 more formidable trees - in size, history or myth - to photograph and investigate. From the giant redwoods of California to "upside down" baobabs in Africa, Pakenham emabarks on his voyage with gusto and a 30lb Linhof camera and tripod. Through torrential rain, snow, drought and blazing sun, his photographs capture the impressiveness and standing of these remarkable plants who support life, inspire lore and have been worshipped for centuries. Occasionally dispelling myth, at other times concurring, his writing supports the lavishness of his photographs, being amusing and witty at the same time as being informative. This is not a botanical work. It is an engaging study of trees and their relationship with man over the centuries by an author who has become fascinated with his subject and who wishes to share this enthusiasm with others. - Lucy Watson

Following the extraordinary success of MEETINGS WITH REMARKABLE TREES, Thomas Pakenham broadens his search for remarkable specimens around the world. From North and South America to Europe, from Asia and South Africa and Madagascar to Australia and New Zealand, he presents us with trees of personality and presence: Dwarfs, Giants, Monuments, and Aliens ¿ the lovingly tended midgets of Japan; the massive ¿General Sherman¿ of Sierra Nevada; the Mexican Tule Bald Cypress; the enormous strangler from India now romping about the University of Palermo in Sicily; and the 4,700 year old ¿Old Methusalehs¿, the bristlecone pines discovered in the White Mountains of California. From ancient yews and ginkos to colossal redwoods and fairytale baobabs, this book is the fruit of Thomas Pakenham¿s search for the most remarkable trees of the world.