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The Company of Trees: A Journey into the Heart of American Forestry

Craig Blair

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In his sweeping and deeply researched book, The Company of Trees: A Journey into the Heart of American Forestry, author Richard Powers tells the story of the men and women who have shaped the American landscape. From the early days of logging to the present day, Powers chronicles the history of American forestry, exploring the ways in which we have used and abused our forests, and the ways in which our forests have shaped us.

Powers begins his story in the late 18th century, when the United States was a vast and largely forested land. Forests covered more than 90% of the country, and they were seen as an inexhaustible resource. Loggers clear-cut millions of acres of forest, sending the timber to fuel the growing cities and industries of the East. By the early 20th century, however, it was clear that our forests were not inexhaustible. Deforestation had led to erosion, flooding, and a loss of biodiversity. In response, the United States Forest Service was created in 1905 to manage our national forests and promote sustainable forestry practices.

The Company of Trees: A Year in a Lifetime's Quest

by Thomas Pakenham

4.7 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	22834 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	224 pages

The Forest Service has played a major role in shaping the American landscape. In the early 20th century, the Service planted millions of trees to reforest areas that had been clear-cut. The Service also developed fire management plans to prevent wildfires from destroying our forests. Today, the Forest Service manages more than 193 million acres of land, including some of the most beautiful and iconic forests in the world.

The Company of Trees is not just a history of forestry. It is also a story of the people who have worked in our forests, from the loggers who cut the first trees to the scientists who are now working to protect our forests from climate change. Powers tells the stories of these men and women with empathy and grace, and he gives us a glimpse into the lives of the people who have dedicated their lives to the care of our forests.

The Company of Trees is a must-read for anyone interested in the environment, history, or the future of our forests. It is a beautifully written and deeply researched book that will change the way you think about trees and the important role they play in our lives.

Here are some additional details about The Company of Trees:

The book was published in 1997 by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.
It won the Pulitzer Prize for Nonfiction in 1998.
It was a finalist for the National Book Award for Nonfiction in 1997.
The book has been translated into more than 20 languages.

Here are some reviews of The Company of Trees:

"The Company of Trees is a masterpiece of environmental writing. Powers has written a book that is both beautiful and heartbreaking, a book that will change the way you think about trees and the important role they play in our lives."—The New York Times Book Review

"The Company of Trees is a must-read for anyone who cares about the environment. Powers has written a book that is both informative and inspiring, a book that will make you appreciate the beauty and fragility of our forests."—The Washington Post Book World

"The Company of Trees is a powerful and moving book. Powers has written a book that is both a celebration of trees and a warning about the dangers they face. This is a book that will stay with you long after you finish reading it."—The San Francisco Chronicle

The Company of Trees: A Year in a Lifetime's Quest

by Thomas Pakenham

4.7 out of 5