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. 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 tree from a particular genus - Pine, Juniper, Oak, Hornbeam, Cherry, Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Douglas-fir and Poplar. Each chapter provides the reader with a short introduction to the tree, followed by a journalistic account of its relevance to modern day-life (from gin making on Isle of Islay to a truffle farm in Spain), and concludes with an account of the tree 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 freelance garden and Nature writer, and Head Gardener at the Garden Museum in London. Beginning his training at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales, Matt came to writing through horticulture. His interests lie at the intersection between cultivated and natural environments, and the processes by which they are recorded. Matt documents his written and horticultural work at www.mattcollinsgarden.co.uk.

Roo Lewis is a fashion and advertising photographer based from his North London studio. Growing up in Dorset he was surrounded by the natural world and now chooses to base much of his personal work on exploring the subject. When not shooting for clients such as VICE, Getty, Topshop, Audi and Sony, Roo can be found in the darkroom printing his latest projects. www.roolewis.com

Reviews

'A visual masterpiece... that combines gorgeous photography with trivia and anecdotes that transport you from your couch to the forest floor.'

* The Smithsonian *

'Smuggled among the photos are beautiful and substantive essays...an engaging and informative read.'

* The Sunday Telegraph, 'Best Gardening Books 2019' *

'This is a book in which you can lose your way in the wilderness and come out more clued up on tree species.'

* Gardens Illustrated *

'This is a thought-provoking book that will encourage readers to venture deep into a forest...Lewis' atmospheric, beautifully compose photographs are a delight.'

* BBC Countryfile magazine *

'Wonderfully engaging writing with atmospheric photography...this warm and engaging and interesting book opens your eyes that bit further on the history, uses and importance of our trees.'

* BBC Wildlife magazine *


Awards
Short-listed for Photography Travel Book of the Year, Edward Stanford Travel Writing Awards 2020 (UK).



Book Information
ISBN 9781911595267
Author Matt Collins
Format Hardback
Page Count 256
Imprint Pavilion
Publisher HarperCollins Publishers
Weight(grams) 1063g
Dimensions(mm) 235mm * 193mm * 29mm