What the Trees See

‘True to the fabled metaphor of “the tree of life”, Dave Witty reveals how trees touch every aspect of our existence. As few other writers can, he enables us to see trees as portals, not only into our own lives, but also into Australia’s history and its myriad landscapes – past, present and future.’ Mark McKenna

‘A fascinating and revelatory history of Australia told through the elemental and elegant device of its trees. Carefully researched, thoughtfully composed, and immensely revealing. Witty takes the trees of Australia – the icons, the beloved and the obscure – and hangs from their boughs a chain of stories about plants, history, humans, transportation, migration, celebration and loss. He tells us things we ought to know about this continent and its past, and lovingly describes the living trees that have witnessed what has come, and which may – if we revere them enough – accompany us into the future. If you love trees, or even if you don’t, this book will offer you a vision of Australia you’ve never seen before.’ Kate Holden

‘A wonderful and deeply researched book revealing, on occasion for the first time, the true history of some of Australia’s most astonishing plants.’ Tim Flannery

‘This is a book of curiosity and wonder. What the Trees See is the story of learning a landscape, coming to understand Country. It announces Dave Witty as a fresh, lively voice in Australian nature writing.’ Billy Griffiths, author of Deep Time Dreaming