The Trees of Old England: Sketches of the Aspects, Associations, and Uses of Those Which Constitute the Forests, and Give Effect to the Scenery of Our Native Country

London: F. Pitman, 1870. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Hardcover. Very good. Second Edition, Revised and Enlarged. Hardcover. "As the stars and planets, from the inaccessbile altitude of their sweet lustre, make the heart great by the contemplation of them; so, after the same manner, imposing and magnificent trees, whose branches, when we go beneath, seem the clouds of a green heaven, have power to ennoble and elevate the soul..." From the tree boasting its bared roots in bright gilt from the front cover to the many charming engraved vignettes of trees within, this 1870 edition of The Trees of Old England is a true testament to these denizens of the forest, penned by the English botanist and pioneer of adult education Leopold Hartley Grindon (1818-1904). Inside, you'll find bountiful information on each tree's nature, life-history, features, and physiognomy, as well as ruminations on their place in art and poetry: "For a tree is not merely an oak, or an ash, or an elm. It has qualities for the imagination and the heart, moving men in its own way, and vindicating prerogatives that are particular to it." For, as the author writes in his introduction, "The mind of the man who in his youth was accustomed to contemplate oaks, grows up very differently from that of one whose boyhood was spent near pines and firs." Subjects include oak, pine, beech, elm, lime, poplar, willow, yew, maple, sycamore, birch, alder, ash-tree, mountain-ash, chestnut, and others.

6 3/4" X 5 7/8". 180pp, plus one page of ads. Bound in full forest green over bevelled boards, ruled in black, with tree and bared roots stamped in bright gilt to upper board, lettered in kind to upper board and spine. Mild edgewear to binding, with light scattered rubbing and dust spotting to cloth. Binding is firm and sound. Gift inscription to verso of front free endpaper: "To dear Mrs. Smith with love, and all the best of good wishes from Kate McMinn and her Sisters." Occasional foxing to pages throughout, else unmarked. Illustrated in ten lovely engraved headpieces and numerous figures throughout.