Biography of a tree

by James P. Jackson

The interaction of the forest ecology is considered in a study of the birth, growth, and death of a giant white oak tree

207 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1979

Reviews

[Susan]

Jim Jackson was my high school biology teacher and when this book first came out I raced out to buy and read it. It's true, the title doesn't give any hint to the fascinating story within. Mr Jackson made me love science and biology as a young person and this book is a testament to his ability to make the even the commonplace, wondrous.

[Sarah]

Loved every bit of this. The author takes you from acorn to rotting log, and imparts a wealth of tree knowledge along the way, in story format. This would be great to read with kids too! In addition to the tree biology, you learn about the lives of the tree’s residents, and how external forces like weather, soil quality, water, fire, drought, and man affect the tree. Its a fantastic read.

[John Lang]

This is an amazing book, beautifully conceived and written. Jackson takes the inanimate and reveals its life. The "hero," a white oak tree, becomes a character you root for over its 200-plus-year lifespan. And yes, as Jackson shows, each tree has, in a sense, character. If you've ever planted an oak tree, or any tree, you'll want to read this and learn just what you have done. It's fun reading.

[Craig]

I borrowed this book from my local library many years ago and the librarian joked that it had to be the most boring title of a book she had ever encountered! Fortunately, the contents are truly fascinating and the white oak becomes an heroic leading character, the story of which is both illuminating and compelling. Give it a chance and I think you will be delighted you made the effort.

[William]

This is the acorn to rotting hulk story of a white oak forest giant. If you love the Missouri Ozarks, and are not afraid of learning in an unobtrusive way, the many interrelated ecological factors that effect the life of one of our most important forest trees, then you will love this book.