
Pine
Laura Mason(Author)
Reaktion Books (Publisher)
Published on 13. May 2024
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
978-1-78914-866-4 (ISBN)
Description
Pine trees, admired for their resilience, have been the subjects of artists for centuries, symbolizing wisdom and longevity in China and Japan. Their symbolic significance spans cultures and time, from classical worshippers of Bacchus to inspiring the establishment of national parks in North America. The natural history of pines showcases their ability to thrive in challenging environments, fascinating scientists. Their resin provides adhesives, waterproofing agents, and medicines, while their wood is ubiquitous in buildings, furniture, and paper pulp. Their cones fascinate with intricate shapes and offer pine nuts for both animals and humans. Throughout history, pines have inspired artists, writers, and photographers. Beautifully illustrated, Pine explores the rich inspiration and practical uses of these rugged, aromatic trees.
Reviews / Votes
All the volumes [in the Botanical series] combine scholarship with lively anecdote and are beautifully and generously illustrated . . . who would have thought conifers could be so interesting? Laura Mason's Pine starts with a solid and enlightening description of the botanical structure, evolution and habitat of the Pinus genus. It then goes on to show how the pine and its derivatives from timber to Stockholm Tar have been used throughout history, how the tree has been depicted in art, its place in mythology, and its culinary uses (not limited to pinenuts) . . . Part of the appeal of these books is the unexpected facts and stories they throw up. * The Spectator * Lily and Pine are beautifully produced, with an old-fashioned and wonderfully solid feel to them . . . they are well illustrated with material from a very wide range of sources, and bound at a higher quality than the general run of hardback books, especially given the modest price. I can see them becoming collectors' items. * Gardens Illustrated * Reaktion Books are building a tasty line in tree and plant books . . . beautifully produced with the qualities of a traditional novel, but illustrated page after page by colour photographs and drawings, the [Botanical] series aims to provide a cultural guide to species . . . Laura Mason's Pine offers a valuable tour of the Pinus genus. * Smallwoods magazine *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Illustrations
101 illustrations, 82 in colour
Dimensions
Height: 138 mm
Width: 216 mm
Thickness: 15 mm
Weight
430 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-78914-866-4 (9781789148664)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Laura Mason was a food historian and writer with a special interest in British foods and food customs. She was the author of Sweets and Candy (Reaktion, 2018) and a contributor to The Oxford Companion to Sugar and Sweets (2015).
Content
Introduction
1 The Natural History of Pine Trees
2 Pine Trees in Myth and Reality
3 Pitch, Turpentine and Rosin
4 Pine for Timber and Torches
5 Pine for Food
6 Mythic Pine, Artist's Pine
7 The Sound of the Wind in the Branches
Timeline
References
Further Reading
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index
1 The Natural History of Pine Trees
2 Pine Trees in Myth and Reality
3 Pitch, Turpentine and Rosin
4 Pine for Timber and Torches
5 Pine for Food
6 Mythic Pine, Artist's Pine
7 The Sound of the Wind in the Branches
Timeline
References
Further Reading
Associations and Websites
Acknowledgements
Photo Acknowledgements
Index