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Oak: The Frame of Civilization
List Price: $15.95Our Price: $10.85 You Save: $5.10 (32%)Prices subject to change.
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Binding: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 634.9721
EAN: 9780393327786
ISBN: 0393327787
Label: W. W. Norton
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton
Number Of Items: 1
Number Of Pages: 320
Publication Date: July 24, 2006
Publisher: W. W. Norton
Studio: W. W. Norton
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Editorial Review:
From ink to sailing ships, a biography of the essential tree. "A dazzling book, full of knowledge and rare wisdom, too."—Thomas Pakenham, author of Remarkable Trees of the WorldProfessional arborist and award-winning nature writer William Bryant Logan deftly relates the delightful history of the reciprocal relationship between humans and oak trees since time immemorial—a profound link that has almost been forgotten. From the ink of Bach's cantatas, to the first boat to reach the New World, to the wagon, the barrel, and the sword, oak trees have been a constant presence throughout our history. In fact, civilization prospered where oaks grew, and for centuries these supremely adaptable, generous trees have supported humankind in nearly every facet of life. "With an unabashed enthusiasm for his subject" (Carol Haggas, Booklist) Logan combines science, philosophy, spirituality, and history with a contagious curiosity about why the natural world works the way it does. At once humorous and reverent, "this splendid acknowledgment of a natural marvel" (Publishing News) reintroduces the oak tree so that we might see its vibrant presence throughout our history and our modern world. 30 illustrations.
Customer Reviews
Average Rating: 
Rating:  - Compelling creative non-fiction read
William Logan, in "Oak: The Frame of Civliztion," creates a vivid and compelling portrait of of the ubiquitous oak tree, including its botanical history, as well as its cultural one. Well paced, engaging, and well illustrated, I unequivocally recommend this book.
Rating: - Well-Burnished Love of Knowledge
A sweeping traversal of the oak's progress through history side by side with humankind, Logan's book is a far more satisfying essay in ethnobotany than many books aimed at a general audience. His deep knowledge of botany, forest history, and civilization informs every page. His prose is fluid and nuanced, and he interweaves his themes in wholly satisfying fashion.
Rating: - Read this book through, and it will always be with you
This book is most like the "New Yorker" at it's best. Which was when a writer looks at some prosaic part of life and opens his eye wide; then writes about it clearly, with the full power and the real art of a bright and deep understanding of the utter complex beauty of the seemingly simple. Mr Logan, please do more.
Rating: - Fascinating
This is a book that I would have liked to have written myself! It is a wonderful tale about the place of oaks throughout civilization. I found the linking of so many European family names to oaks and other trees very fascinating. The descriptions of the wooden structures, coppicing, early inks, acorns as food, oaks as foundation for many early technologies, and many other details brought a richness to the history of our ancestors and the beginnings of civilization. I live in an oak-hickory region ... Read More
Rating:  - Oaks Compose the Frame of Civilization.
No tree has been more useful to human beings than the oak. In most of the temperate world, oak is the primary, the 'titular tree of the forest.' What is most impressive about the oaks is that you can go from Massachusetts to Mexico City and find them readily available. When all the other trees were cut down to make room for farm fields, some of the oaks were left to make the boundaries.
The PTA uses the oak leaf and acorn as their symbol of strength and ability to endure. There are ... Read More
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