Trees: An Anthology of Writings and Paintings

Scientific studies have shown what we all already knew– that people are healthier in body and spirit with more exposure to nature. Neighborhoods and cities are calmer and cleaner, lives are more ordered and peaceful, with more integration with the natural world. Hermann Hesse was writing on this topic a century ago — he knew that trees, especially, are essential for the soul. This beautiful collection of some of his essays and poems, focused on trees, will be balm for your soul as well. Hesse’s writing is intimate and personal; he is talking to each reader individually, in a conversation centered on his musings, but with space and silence for you to respond. The poems are even more private, like listening to his heart’s desire. His sparse, constrained style delivers a depth and breadth of feeling reminiscent of traditional Haiku – turning from his nature reflections to personal life metaphor. His words gently drift down into your mind and heart like softly falling leaves. Several of Hesse’s paintings are interspersed with the text, and lend a dreamlike aura with their muted pastels and blurred edges. This is a collection to ponder and return to often.