Listen to the trees

the long version

It is rare that the soul and presentation of a book truly mirror and celebrate its subject matter. Listen to the Trees, John Sexton's homage to these stately and eloquent voices of nature, accomplishes this mission. Photographs of trees are the heart of Sexton's work, and the luminous images in this collection embody the distinctive vision he has developed by listening closely to the natural world. From the quiet dignity of eucalyptus bark enfolding in its cycle of renewal to the sweeping grace of a mature aspen forest, these photographs brilliantly evoke the essence of trees - their primeval strength, their beauty, and their serenity. Stewart L. Udall's introduction and James Baker's essay provide intriguing insights into our contemporary, historical, and mythological relationship with trees. The portfolio of images is coupled with inspiring excerpts from prose and poetry by an eclectic group of writers, among them Father Thomas Berry, Black Elk, Robinson Jeffers, Starhawk, and Minor White.