There are few life forms on the planet who have not benefited from the many advantages and gifts that trees offer. Author Coodley lists a dozen primary gifts. For example, trees shape environments through holding topsoil and by reducing erosion and flooding. As with particular crops, trees almost always enhance soil quality. Trees modify the climate through their shade, which can be especially important in cities. Trees also provide greater warmth within a forest in cold weather. Forests are a fundamental part of the water cycle, contributing to cloud formation and increasing precipitation.

Trees also provide fruit, nuts, and other sustenance to humans and other beings. By supporting livestock and providing shade, trees indirectly support additional food sources. Without trees' ability to hold carbon and release it slowly, our planet would suffer greater problems with climate change. Trees are quite often the primary element of their ecosystems and support many other species. Many other products are derived from trees in addition to their wood and fruit. Trees provide beauty, too, as well as mental and physical health benefits for humans and other beings.

Coodley deftly draws together a multitude of facts, figures, and historical references, keeping them well organized in thematic chapters. The specifics of twenty greatly valued tree species, both historically and in modern times, are covered in their illustrated chapter. The material in the text contains ample citations and, therefore, robust endnotes and a bibliography, and the index will also help make this volume an enduring reference book. Yet this narrative is more than a reference book because the satisfaction of reading about one of humanity's oldest and dearest non-human friends is ever apparent from the first page through the last. This thoughtful exploration of humanity's profound relationship with trees is a joy to read and reflect upon.

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