FOR THE ARMCHAIR

FIONA STAFFORD’S The Long, Long Life Of Trees is a beautiful and contemplative book about our relationship with the world’s longest-lived inhabitants. Each chapter draws a vivid portrait of the trees that have influenced Western culture. Topics are as diverse as the De Havilland Mosquito warplane, made from ash; the yew wood longbows which helped Henry V win Agincourt; and the hijacking of ancient Mediterranean olives for modern designer gardens.