The Heart of the Forest: Why Woods Matter

Trees can evoke powerful feelings, from fear to wonder, and provide a sanctuary for those fleeing captivity. John Miller's book explores the ecological and cultural value of forests, weaving in personal memoir to explore why woods matter to us. In the midst of a climate crisis, our connection to trees gives us hope to value and protect them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: British Library Publishing

Trees have a profound effect on our emotions. For Henry David Thoreau, the woods are a realm beyond civilization; for Ursula Le Guin and J.R.R. Tolkien, they are filled with otherworldly possibilities; and for those seeking refuge from captivity, they can offer a sanctuary. The woods can be both terrifying and awe-inspiring, and they can be beautiful, dark, and profound. John Miller expands on the ecological arguments for preserving forests by raising the compelling question of their cultural value, with stunning illustrations from the British Library's unparalleled collections of books and manuscripts. This book explores the reasons why woods matter to us, weaving in personal memoir to delve into the emotional connection we have with trees and the instinct it awakens in us to value and protect them. Amidst a climate crisis, there is hope to be found in our deep emotional bond with trees and the instinct it stirs in us to cherish and safeguard them.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780712354561