Ash

Edward Parker is Director of the Springhead Trust in Dorset, and is author or co-author of many books, including Ancient Trees of the National Trust (2016), Photographing Trees (2012) and Ancient Trees: Trees That Live For a Thousand Years (2012).

"A detailed and informative book that reveals the botanical secrets and fascinating history of an iconic tree that is both familiar and threatened . . . This book has much to recommend it. Thoughtful, even poetic in places, it covers scientific and medical information thoroughly, and the treatment of history, myth, and folklore makes it a wonderful sourcebook. For this it is worth its space on any shelf." - Gardens Illustrated"The first impression of Ash, by Edward Parker, is the exceptional quality of its production. From very first handling,the extremely pleasing feel is immediately apparent, and this continues throughout, from the quality of the printed page to the many and varied, super-glossy photographs and drawings. It’s a cliché about "books and covers", but in this instance the reader really will not be disappointed. It is a joy to just hold the book! The fact that it is also aneasy and absorbing read is a plus . . . Ash brings together a broad and varied perspective of this most prolific of trees, with abundant stories, fascinating facts and scientific research into fraxinus from around the globe." - Living Woods Magazine"Beautifully illustrated with many images of ash trees in natural settings along with interesting historical photographs. This book is reasonably priced and will be enjoyed by professional and amateur botanists as well as by horticulturalists and foresters." - Plant Science Bulletin"A lovely work, beautifully illustrated with numerous color photographs. The ash itself has occupied many roles in human history, not the least of which is the way it has simply been appreciated for its beauty in plantings and in forests. Many species are described in these pages, with their various uses outlined. For example, Parker describes the medicinal virtues of the bark, mostly in the context of its use by various indigenous peoples, past and present. Ash is widely used in construction and weaponry, the latter use mainly for making arrows, as the wood is able to withstand the unique stresses. A theme of major significance is expressed in the author's descriptions of various invasive and destructive fungi and beetles. The latter are of particular importance for the loss of forests in North America. Many such problems are presented, but few solutions are mentioned, because in fact none exist for most genera. Unfortunately, the next few years promise to be a period of loss for the ash tree. Nevertheless, this is an entertaining, educational work. Recommended" - Choice"In Ash, we hear the authoritative voice of an expert and genuine enthusiast. Tree aficionados will love the detail, but there’s plenty to satisfy anyone with a broad interest in nature; the botanical story is enjoyably told and there is much of joyful human interest." - Botanical Society of Britain & Ireland News"Ash by Edward Parker is a fascinating, fact- and photo-filled Fraxinus feast, and proudly stands tall amongst Reaktion Books’ other tree – and tree-like – titles such as Birch, Palm, and Mulberry." - Botany One"The triumph and tragedy of the ash is one of the stories that define our age. Few trees are more beautiful and so bountiful in the number of species they support, and none are so versatile in the uses we have found for it. Edward Parker’s book fills one with admiration for this wonderful tree even as we weep for its fate." - Peter Marren, natural history writer and conservationist