Around the World in 80 Trees

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Bestselling author and environmentalist Jonathan Drori follows in the footsteps of Phileas Fogg as he tells the stories of 80 magnificent trees from all over the globe. The strawberry tree is native to the western Mediterranean and the southwest of Ireland – but not Britain.

This is a wonderful tour of the Earth’s trees, revealing their unique characteristics and the vital roles they have played in human life and culture. Liquid urushiol causes extreme rashes, and even its vapour promotes itching that can linger for months. In a previous life at the BBC, he was Executive Producer of more than fifty prime-time science documentaries and popular series. Each tree is beautifully illustrated by Lucille Clerc using a subdued but rich palette of greens and browns, with occasional splashes of more vibrant colour. We pay respect by giving voice to social justice, acknowledging our shared history and valuing the cultures of First Nations.Guardian Australia acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, waters and community. The book combines history, science and a wealth of quirky detail - there should be surprises for everyone.

An iconic fruit in all the cultures of the region and a staple food containing up to two-thirds sugar, the date has altered the course of history by enabling large numbers of people to live in deserts. Jonathan Drori is a Trustee of The Woodland Trust and The Eden Project, an Ambassador for the WWF and was for nine years a Trustee of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Nature writing at its best, skilfully weaving science with fascinating folklore and the sheer wonder of trees. By day, the distinctive monochrome pattern of snow-clad birch forests is dazzling and disorientating, but during long boreal nights, their moonlit, ghostly forms take on an eerie power.

The Blastophaga wasps that pollinate the common edible fig are female, stingless and just a couple of millimetres long. In a confined space the smell of the durian fruit can be overwhelming, and signs telling people not to bring durians into hotels or aircraft are common in Malaysia and Singapore. Each of these strange and true tales - populated by self-mummifying monks, tree-climbing goats and ever-so-slightly radioactive nuts - is illustrated by Lucille Clerc, taking the reader on a journey that is as informative as it is beautiful.