Forest

Forest is a celebration of the diverse ways in which trees and forests are as magnificent, economically relevant and profoundly enchanting today as they ever have been.

Journeying across the continents, writer Matt Collins and photographer Roo Lewis tie together both the historical context and modern day applications of some of the world's most fascinating and iconic trees. Together they explore the heritage of woodlands from around the world and meet those whose lives are inexplicably bound to them.

The book is divided into 10 main chapters, each of which explores a single genus of tree - Pine, Juniper, Oak, Hornbeam, Cherry, Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Douglas-Fir and Poplar. Each chapter provides the reader with a short introduction to the genus, followed by a journalistic account of its relevance to modern day life (from gin making on Islay Island to a truffle farm in Spain), and concludes with an account of the genus in its native forest (from Hornbeams in the Ironwoods of Ontario to Firs on Vancouver Island).

Captured on medium format film, Roo's stunning, rich colour images are the perfect companion to Matt's engaging storytelling and botanical knowledge. Forest crafts a captivating interpretation of the story of the forest through the trees.

About the Author

Matt Collins is a writer and hoticultural consultant with a particular interest in the subjects of trees and landscape. Linking an extensive arboricultural knowledge with his passion for traditional hand carving, Matt has developed a close relationship with wood as both a living and crafting medium.