before telling you what i think of this splendid book [oops, slipped out already]
i should declare that my review may have a trifle of bias
as there are two images of my work included in it
as well as a well-summarised [by the authors]
outline of eucalyptus dye processes
so that little kitten is out of the bag.
and now to the book.
the authors discuss the biology and classification of the genus
as well as the social history, use in art and culture and of course the potential for landscaping and planting.
a number of arboreta are listed along with a selection of significant trees and their locations...although
Nindethana at Lake Albert sadly eludes mention [it comprises of some 500 river red gums Eucalyptus camuldulensis grown and planted by the late John Giles from seed collected at rivers all over Australia].
there is an exquisite drawing of a series of
'dendroglyphs' - a term describing carved trees - sourced from a book by R.Etheridge [1918] which has particularly piqued my curiosity
the lyrical text is generously illustrated with an abundance of photographs
and while i haven't yet had time to read the whole book word for word
i've already learned [by skimming] many things i didn't yet know
[such as the existence of a
Museum of Eucalyptus in Brazil]
i have no hesitation in recommending this as a highly desirable addition to the libraries
of those who, like me, have a fascination for the iconic eucalypt.
A CELEBRATION OF EUCALYPTS
John Wrigley and Murray Fagg
Allen & Unwin 2010
