Monumental in scope but small enough to take into the field, The Sibley Guide to Trees is an astonishingly elegant guide to a complex subject. It condenses a huge amount of information about tree identification—more than has ever been collected in a single book—into a logical, accessible, easy-to-use format.
With more than 4,100 meticulous, exquisitely detailed paintings, the Guide highlights the often subtle similarities and distinctions between more than 600 tree species—native trees as well as many introduced species. No other guide has ever made field identification so clear.
Features highlighted include:
• leaves (including multiple leaf shapes and fall leaf color)
• bark
• needles
• cones
• flowers
• fruit
• twigs
• silhouettes
More than 500 maps show the complete range, both natural and cultivated, for nearly all species.
Trees are arranged taxonomically, with all related species grouped together. By focusing on the fundamental characteristics of, for example, oaks or chestnuts or hickories, the Guide helps the user recognize these basic species groups the same way birders recognize thrushes, warblers, or sparrows.
In addition, there are essays on taxonomy, on the cultivation of trees, and on conservation issues, reflecting Sibley's deep concern with habitat preservation and environmental health.
An important new contribution to our understanding of the natural world, The Sibley Guide to Trees will be a necessity for every tree lover, traveler, and naturalist. It is sure to become the new benchmark in field guides to trees.
VickigIL
Posted January 9, 2010
The expertise that Sibley has developed from a lifetime of birding and record keeping has been applied quite successfully in his guide to trees. We are the benefactors of this most awesome Curious Naturalist. I am forever grateful for his attention to detail in his beautiful paintings and to the folks who's charge it was to reproduce them. Spend some time in the introduction and practice the application of the information and you'll get more from each of your outings and encounters with trees.
One quick note for you Sibley collectors - B&N identifies this book as hardcover, and it is not. It has the typical flexible covers you expect in a field guide. I believe Amazon has a hardcover edition.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.DavielleCA
Posted May 15, 2010
as is anything from David Allen Sibley, this book is a gem. As beautifully illustrated as his bird guides, this Guide to Trees is spectacular. A great addition to our Library - to ANY library. My husband and I are well-pleased with this one.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 20, 2010
I Also Recommend:
Extremely comprehensive in it's descriptions with wonderful illustrations and pictures. A must have for all tree enthusiasts.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 5, 2011
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Overview
Monumental in scope but small enough to take into the field, The Sibley Guide to Trees is an astonishingly elegant guide to a complex subject. It condenses a huge amount of information about tree identification—more than has ever been collected in a single book—into a logical, ...