For millennia, trees have offered renewal and inspiration. They have provided for humanity on every level, from spiritual sanctuary to the raw material for our homes, books, and food. In this beautiful and revealing book, National Geographic combines legendary photography with cutting-edge science to illuminate exactly how trees influence the life of planet Earth—from our personal lives to the weather cycle. Beautifully illustrated essays tell the stories of the world’s most remarkable trees, from Tane Mahura in New Zealand, the ancient Maori "lord of the forest," to Pando, a single aspen spreading over 100 acres: Earth’s largest living thing. You’ll also discover how an astronaut carried tree seeds to the moon and back; the reason "microdosing" on tree gas is a sure way to boost your immune system; and why playing in the dirt boosts serotonin, happiness hormone.
For nature and science enthusiasts, as well as photography lovers, Into the Forest is a beautiful and edifying gift to give or cherish.
Review:
Into the Forest explores the wonders of forests through beautiful photography and the latest scientific knowledge. The different chapters dive into different parts that make up the forest: trees, earth, water, air and fire before combining them into a chapter on the forests that we know and love. Throughout the chapter there are absolutely stunning photographs of forests from full landscapes down to the microscopic level, favorite forest quotes as well as up-to-date knowledge of forest ecology and stories of well-known trees.
Into the Forest focuses on the interconnectedness of the forest and the many ways that plants, animals, fungus, bacteria, microbes and weather interact. Combining stories, anthropology and science, the world of the forest becomes alive and it's importance is revealed. One of the main points that Into the Forest drives home is all the ways that the forest benefits humans. From medicines to food and materials to releasing chemicals that improve our mental health, the forests have always been there for us, despite our best efforts to destroy it. Some of my favorite parts were learning more about how trees communicate through different fungus, how soil bacteria has helped to develop vaccines, how trees have adapted to seemingly impossible environments, how trees create lasting aromas and the stories of famous trees that have helped to shape history.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.