Rowan

The rowan is a tree that captivates the senses and stimulates the imagination, with its delicate, feathery leaves, creamy spring blossom, and scarlet clusters of autumn fruit. Oliver Southall's Rowan is the first in-depth social history of this much-loved plant, exploring its many meanings as a marker of regional identity, a symbol of political and personal nostalgia, and a focus for environmental activism. It charts our changing relationships with nature and landscape, raising urgent questions about how we value and relate to the non-human world.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 01 May 2023
Publisher: Reaktion Books

The rowan tree, whether perched on a solitary moor or bustling with birdlife on a city street, possesses a captivating allure that enchants the senses and ignites the imagination. Its delicate, feathery leaves, creamy spring blossoms, and vibrant clusters of autumn fruit have inspired artists, poets, and plant enthusiasts throughout history. Rooted in ecological understanding, Rowan offers a comprehensive social history of this beloved plant, delving into diverse topics such as myth, medicine, folklore, Romanticism, cultural nationalism, revolutionary Russia's literature, Land Art, and contemporary rewilding. Through his meticulous research, Oliver Southall unveils the multifaceted meanings of the mountain ash, revealing it as a poignant marker of regional identity and resistance against internal colonization, a potent symbol of political and personal nostalgia, and a focal point for environmental activism that becomes increasingly urgent in the face of climate change and biodiversity loss.

Embarking on a surprising and eclectic journey, Rowan takes the reader on a profound exploration of our evolving relationships with nature and landscape. It raises urgent questions about how we perceive and engage with the non-human world, challenging us to reevaluate our values and connections. This captivating book serves as a testament to the enduring power of the rowan tree and its ability to inspire, educate, and provoke thought, urging us to cherish and protect the natural world that surrounds us.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789147124