Lives of the Trees: An Uncommon History

Overall I really liked this book. I thought that there was a good balance, usually, between anecdotes and factual information for each of the entries. The author tried to end each entry with an emotional tug - “We are reminded that just as a new live tree can sprout from seemingly dried out willow branches, so could the souls of the two lovers rise from the ashes and fly away, free as birds.” (p.342) - which I found contrived and rather annoying. The little sketches of each tree's leaves, flowers, or overall form were delightful. Basically a nice little reference book that reads better than a reference book.