The Tree Climbing Cure: Finding Wellbeing in Trees in European and North American Literature and Art

The Tree Climbing Cure explores the therapeutic benefits of tree climbing, the reasons why people climb trees, and how it can improve their mental health and well-being. It combines research on poetry, novels, and paintings with the science of well-being and mental health, and discusses the close relationship between tree climbing and imagination.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 12 January 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Our relationship with trees is a profound and intricate tapestry that spans centuries. From our earliest days on Earth, we have worshipped, felled, and even conversed with these majestic beings. For many of us, our earliest memories of interacting with trees revolve around the exhilarating act of climbing them.

In "The Tree Climbing Cure," we embark on a captivating exploration of how tree climbers have been portrayed in literature and art across Europe and North America throughout history. We unravel the curative value of tree climbing, delving into the motivations and circumstances that drive tree climbers to ascend, as well as the profound impact it has on their mental health and well-being.

Through a multidisciplinary approach, "The Tree Climbing Cure" brings together research into poetry, novels, and paintings, merging it with the science of wellbeing and mental health. We engage with myth, folklore, psychology, and storytelling to shed light on the close relationship between tree climbing and imagination. We challenge some longstanding gendered injunctions about women climbing trees and explore the rich tapestry of cultural representations of this quirky and ultimately restorative pastime.

"The Tree Climbing Cure" discusses a wide range of literary works, including the iconic novels of Margaret Atwood, Charlotte Bronte, Geoffrey Chaucer, Angela Carter, Kiran Desai, and J.R.R. Tolkien. We also delve into the artistic contributions of renowned artists such as Peter Doig, Paula Rego, and Goya, whose works capture the essence of tree climbing and its cultural significance.

This book stands as an almost encyclopedic examination of cultural representations of tree climbing, offering a comprehensive and insightful perspective on this fascinating pastime. Whether you are a seasoned climber or a curious explorer, "The Tree Climbing Cure" will captivate your imagination, inspire your adventurous spirit, and deepen your appreciation for the intricate bond between humans and trees.

Weight: 374g
Dimension: 127 x 234 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350327283