. . . a beautifully bound and presented little volume that is a pleasure to handle, and even the prints inside the covers are worthy of a pause to admire the swirls of flowers and butterflies. The pages are luxuriously thick and glossy, showing off the glorious photographs and illustrations within . . . the well-researched prose and outstanding pictures will be a delight to all readers of a more cultural inclination . . . In addition to the excellent list of references and index, there are sections on suggested further reading and a list of websites which may lead on to further explorations of all things rowan. - Stephen Tong, Scottish ForestryThe illustrations are a joy for art historians and bibliophiles as well as botanists . . . There is of course plenty of sound botanical and ecological comment, but the way the author has embedded this in such a rich, cultural context and imaginatively chosen illustrations is very appealing. Forget mistletoe for a year and get (or give) Rowan this Christmas! - Rosemary FitzGerald, Wild Flower MagazineThis is a beautifully presented book from Reaktion, and is part of their Botanical series . . . Each of the chapters explores part of the vast cultural network which has built up around the tree, so that by the end of the book, you have an informed understanding of the myriad ways in which people the world over have viewed, used, interacted with and respected the rowan tree down the centuries . . . This book surprised me with its depth, and the way in which it held my interest throughout with its wide range of entryways into the consideration of a single tree. It is well-written and eminently readable, and the variety of topics it covers give it a broad appeal . . . having read it, I’m looking at the nature around me with fresh, and more appreciative eyes, and would definitely check out other titles in the Botanical series. - Mark Norman, The Folklore PodcastSo much depth of learning conveyed so eloquently. Fascinating romp through the natural and cultural history, folklore and art of the Rowan tree. Brilliant. - The Petersfield BookshopLiving outside the habitat of the mountain ash, the rowan’s North American cousin, now that I have read this book, I find myself spotting rowan in old travel photos, decorative housewares, and the visual arts. Having brought to light the value of one remarkable species to bards, cunning women, artists, and poets, the work is successful at enriching one’s perception of both the natural world and human cultures. - H-NetA gorgeous celebration of one of my most beloved trees – Ollie Southall has done the gracious, generous, sustaining and protecting rowan beautiful justice in this gem of a book. - Amy-Jane Beer, author of A Tree A DayThis is a beautiful book about a beautiful tree. In graceful prose, Southall ranges widely across science, history and myth, revealing the many ways that trees grow around our cultures and imaginations. - Merlin Sheldrake, author of Entangled LifeA remarkable account of the rowan’s essential presence in our lives, from folklore to film, as well as in the long natural history of our planet. The tree bears its rich cultural heritage as cheerfully as its bright red berries: this beautifully illustrated book is a celebration and a revelation. - Fiona Stafford, author of The Long, Long Life of Trees
