Elderflora: A Modern History of Ancient Trees

Elderflora is a book that explores the complex roles ancient trees have played in the modern world and how we may need them now more than ever. It combines rigorous research with lyrical writing and surveys the history of the world's oldest trees, including voices of Indigenous peoples, religious figures, and contemporary scientists.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2024
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Winner of the Jacques Barzun Prize in Cultural History, Elderflora is a captivating exploration of the profound and multifaceted roles that ancient trees have played in shaping the modern world. Through a blend of rigorous research and poetic writing, author Jared Farmer delves into the intricate tapestry of these majestic beings, shedding light on their enduring significance in our lives.

Throughout history, humans have held a deep reverence for long-lived trees, recognizing their immense value and spiritual significance. However, it was during the eighteenth century that our understanding of these trees took a modern turn, driven by the quest of naturalists to locate and precisely date the oldest living things on earth. This pursuit led to a renewed appreciation for the longevity and resilience of trees, as well as a growing recognition of their ecological importance.

Elderflora takes readers on a journey across diverse landscapes, from Lebanon to New Zealand to California, surveying the complex history of the world's oldest trees. Through the voices of Indigenous peoples, religious figures, and contemporary scientists, Farmer explores the diverse perspectives and experiences associated with these ancient beings. He sheds light on the ways in which they have been revered, worshipped, and used for medicinal purposes, as well as the challenges they face in the face of climate change and human activities.

One of the central themes of Elderflora is the interplay between exploitation and sanctification. While ancient trees have been revered and protected for centuries, they have also been subjected to exploitation and destruction. As imperial expansion and the industrial revolution unfolded, old-growth forests succumbed to the pressures of human development, leading to deforestation, habitat loss, and the degradation of ecosystems.

However, even in the face of these challenges, Elderflora offers a glimmer of hope. Farmer argues that a long future is still possible, but only if we prioritize the care and preservation of young things that have the potential to grow old and become ancient trees themselves. He emphasizes the importance of nurturing and protecting our natural resources, including trees, in order to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

Elderflora is a magisterial study of arboreal longevity, encompassing a broad range of social and scientific issues. Farmer's narrative unfolds with the outstretched limbs of a luxuriant elm, spanning a vast expanse of time and space. He weaves together historical anecdotes, scientific research, and personal reflections to create a rich and immersive experience for readers. Through his writing, Farmer invites us to re-examine our relationship with trees and to recognize their profound impact on our lives and the world around us.

In conclusion, Elderflora is a captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the enduring significance of ancient trees in shaping the modern world. Through a blend of rigorous research and lyrical writing, author Jared Farmer invites us to re-examine our relationship with these majestic beings and to recognize the urgent need to protect and preserve them for future generations. This book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of engaging with the natural world, and it serves as a call to action for all of us to work towards a more sustainable and harmonious relationship with the environment.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 131 x 197 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781035009060