"In these pages, ecologist Paul Smith celebrates all that trees have inspired across nearly every human culture throughout history. Generously illustrated with over 450 images and organized according to tree life cycle--from seeds and leaves to wood, flowers, and fruit--this book celebrates the great diversity and beauty of the 60,000 tree species that inhabit our planet. Surprising photography and infographics will inspire readers, illustrating intricate bark and leaf patterns, intertwined ecosystems, colorful flower displays, archaic wooden wheels, and timber houses. Integral to science, art, and culture, fundamental and fragile, dependent and depended on, the vitality of trees is revealed like never before"--Book jacket flap.