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If you enjoy the history of horticulture, land use, and landscapes, this is a great book. I particularly appreciated the history of elms as street trees in the US. I finally feel like I have a grasp on the development of disease-resistant elms: Liberty, Pioneer, Princeton, and Valley Forge. I also understand the elm hybrids a bit better now, such as Homestead elms.
For a horticultural "Raiders of the Lost Ark" story, read the chapters on the Dawn Redwood (Metasequoia glyptostroboides). It was believed extinct but was rediscovered in the early 20th century. Today, it is a common nursery tree--fast-growing, tall, tough, and handsome.
The writing in "Urban Forests" is clear and moves quickly, with lots of anecdotes and a light touch. For those who love trees and landscapes, this specialized book is a great read.
Urban Forests: A Natural History of Trees in the American Cityscape by Jill Jonnes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars