Susan Tyler Hitchcock

Into the Forest explores the wonders of forests through beautiful photography and the latest scientific knowledge. The different chapters dive into different parts that make up the forest: trees, earth, water, air and fire before combining them into a chapter on the forests that we know and love. Throughout the chapter there are absolutely stunning photographs of forests from full landscapes down to the microscopic level, favorite forest quotes as well as up-to-date knowledge of forest ecology and stories of well known trees.

Into the Forest focuses on the interconnectedness of the forest and the many ways that plants, animals, fungus, bacteria, microbes and weather interact. Combining stories, anthropology and science, the world of the forest becomes alive and it's importance is revealed. One of the main points that Into the Forest drives home is all the ways that the forest benefits humans. From medicines to food and materials to releasing chemicals that improve our mental health, the forests have always been there for us, despite our best efforts to destroy it. Some of my favorite parts were learning more about how trees communicate through different fungus, how soil bacteria has helped to develop vaccines, how trees have adapted to seemingly impossible environments, how trees create lasting aromas and the stories of famous trees that have helped to shape history.

This book was received for free in return for an honest review.… (mehr)

What an astoundingly beautiful book.

In more than one way; of course the photography is out of this world. It’s from National Geographic. But the accompanying text takes you into a place of magic as it shares the stories of the forests. There is so much to learn. So much I didn’t know. Did you know the aspen that has spread so far and wide? I hadn’t, but now the wonder of it is there for all to learn.

There is magic in the forest. I don’t know about you but when I go walking among the trees there is such a sense of peace and calm. Even if the birds are singing, I still feel as if I am alone.

Now that I’ve gone all mystical on you let me just put it out there – this is a truly beautiful book full of gorgeous photos of trees and the forest. Just looking through it will bring you joy. It’s worth it for that alone. But the stories will get you thinking. And wondering what the trees are saying.… (mehr)

1000 Events that Shaped the World by National Geographic is divided into seven chapters viz., Ancient World (Prehistory–400 CE), Middle Ages (400–1500), Age of Discovery (1500–1700), Revolutionary Era (1700–1850), Age of Imperialism (1850–1913), World War Years (1914–1945), and Modern Age (1946–Present). Included in this book are further readings about its authors and illustration credits.
The text covers the history of the whole world and its continents. Readers are introduced to mankind’s primitive beginnings hundreds of thousands of years ago to the development of writing around 3300 BCE to the Modern Age. This book presents the big picture with interesting selections and details. Accounts are highlighted in sidebars, and there are also excerpts from contemporary experts on the significant moments of history.
The authors provided information on Marco Polo’s account of his visit to China, a survivor’s commentary on the Black Death, Columbus’s log; biographies of figures like Attila the Hun, Charlemagne, Genghis Khan, Ivan the Terrible, and Machiavelli. Readers will learn about the invention of the first map, book publishing, and the development of newspapers, gun powder, and the birth of the musical instrument, paper money, portable clock, side rules, toilet paper and many more interesting devices.… (mehr)