Pine

(Paperback)

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Description

The natural history of pine trees underlines their ability to survive in difficult environments, and their botany still puzzles and intrigues. Their resin provided adhesives, waterproofing and medicines before oil derivatives and modern pharmaceuticals were developed. Their wood is ubiquitous, incorporated into buildings, furniture and paper pulp. Pine cones fascinate with their complex shapes, and provide pine nuts for people and food for animals. Pine trees have inspired artists, writers, film-makers and photographers throughout history, and as a consequence the sombre, brooding atmosphere of pine woods is found in poetry, film, art and literature. A beautifully illustrated book that reveals the many ways in which pine trees have inspired and been utilized by humanity, Pine provides a fascinating survey of these rugged, aromatic trees that are found the world over.

Reviews

"Reaktion Books are building a tasty line in tree and plant books . . . beautifully produced with the qualities of a traditional novel, but illustrated page after page by color photographs and drawings, the [Botanical] series aims to provide a cultural guide to species . . . Pine offers a valuable tour of the Pinus genus." -- "Smallwoods" "All the volumes [in the Botanical series] combine scholarship with lively anecdote and are beautifully and generously illustrated . . . who would have thought conifers could be so interesting Laura Mason's Pine starts with a solid and enlightening description of the botanical structure, evolution and habitat of the Pinus genus. It then goes on to show how the pine and its derivatives from timber to Stockholm Tar have been used throughout history, how the tree has been depicted in art, its place in mythology, and its culinary uses (not limited to pinenuts) . . . Part of the appeal of these books is the unexpected facts and stories they throw up."-- "Spectator" "Lily and Pine are beautifully produced, with an old-fashioned and wonderfully solid feel to them; they are well illustrated with material from a very wide range of sources, and bound at a higher quality than the general run of hardback books, especially given the modest price. I can see them becoming collectors' items."-- "Gardens Illustrated"

Author Bio

Laura Mason is a writer who has published widely on food history and culture. She lives in Yorkshire, UK.