The Tree

John Fowles is a novelist I have admired since his first novel. This long essay contains some very beautiful writing, particularly from page 67 to the end (91).The essay is primarily devoted to Fowles' concern that most of us have lost sight of the forest for the tree and the tree for its names and catalogs of its functions. Too often, he argues, we look at Artemisia stelleriana, say, with scientific/intellectual self-satisfaction and neglect to consider the plant contextually. He extends the argument to the "creative arts" railing against those who would suggest novel writing, for example, can be explained as a learned, nearly deterministic, undertaking rather than an inspirational process--as he put it, a ramble in the woods, not a walk in the woods on trodden paths.When reading the essay it may be helpful to notice that it was written 30 years ago, not long after the first Earth Day, and reflects a pessimism about our earth and our highly presumptive belief that we are its custodian for our utility.Perhaps the best way to convey the thrust of his argument is to read the sublime aforementioned 24 pages and then read the Wikipedia entry on Wistman's Wood with all its facts and figures. Oh, and do not for a moment think that Fowles is anti-intellectual or anti-science, his argument is far more subtle.Note, this edition does not include the highly regarded photos of the original edition.

For me it was a tough read, I had to read, reread, and still did not understand much it. I unfortunately stopped reading 2/3 's of they way through as it wasn't enjoyable to decipher what was written. I love nature and especially trees, of the parts i could understand, the book did make some fantastic points about nature and trees.

I found The Tree fascinating but at times had to stop and re-read because I found some places a little hard to follow. Overall it is an excellent book and for anyone who is interested in nature it is a must read. It really points out how man has alienaged himself as a member of the natural world of the planet earth.

Outstanding essay on the benefits of letting Mother Nature run wild. Written with his wonderful command of the English language. It is not particularly heavy going, but you must be patient and re-read the occasional passage. But patience is rewarded. It is definitely not a dry appeal for conservation - it goes much deeper than that.

Harmonic! Will open your mind!

A most extraordinary, a beautiful and moving book. This, the original edition with the photographs by Frank Horvat is the best and a classic, the close association and feeling in Horvat's images, a sensitivity to the text, is incredible and unfolding, the two together, revealing a depth in the relation of Fowles and his father and trees. These photographs, a page of text with a facing page tree, are not just beautiful or attractive accompaniment. A more recent [1994] version of The Tree combining selections of the text with photographs by William Neill is in the other direction, a portfolio of beautiful, themed studies, packaged attractively with some Fowles to mull on.

Great essay for those interested in Nature and artistic creativity. Wonderfully perceptive ideas clearly expressed. I understand after reading it why it has become a classic!

LOVE IT!!

Nice book. Read it in one sitting while waiting for my GP appt.

Was a little disappointed. I read a great many of John Fowles books in the late 60 s and 70 s and really enjoyed them. Of course this was a more personal book. I had just watched an excellent TV documentary about Trees and that may also have contributed to my reticence.

More wonderful writing by a master.

A short but interesting read.

Very good