The White Birch: A Russian Reflection

The White Birch is a book that explores how landscape shapes art and life, featuring the birch tree as Russia's unofficial national emblem. It explores Russia's diverse land, uncovering overlapping meanings surrounding the tree, and grapples with the riddle of Russianness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 02 June 2022
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

A captivating and thought-provoking exploration of the profound influence that landscape shapes art and life.

The White Birch, a remarkable book by Alex Preston, delves into the enigmatic essence of Russia through the captivating portrayal of a single tree: the white birch.

This versatile and easily recognizable tree holds a special place in the hearts of people around the world, particularly in Russia, where it serves as the unofficial national emblem.

Art critic Tom Jeffreys takes readers on a captivating journey across Russia's diverse landscapes, unraveling the intricate connections between the country's shifting identity and the humble white birch tree.

Through his insightful observations and encounters, Jeffreys unveils a rich tapestry of meanings associated with the birch tree, encompassing everything from Catherine the Great's garden follies to Tolstoy's beloved chair, the Chernobyl exclusion zone, and the vibrant nightlife of Moscow.

As we wander through lost landscapes, discover historic artworks, delve into the secret online world of Russian brides, and relive encounters between some of Russia's greatest artists and writers, we uncover a myriad of overlapping narratives surrounding the white birch tree.

The White Birch is a unique and captivating collection of journeys that delves into the riddle of Russianness, offering a fresh perspective and resonant insights into this fascinating nation and its cultural heritage.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 126 x 197 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472155665