This groundbreaking new book is a detailed and beautifully photographed study of the extraordinary impact of trees on our lives and our surroundings in the past, present and future. In the starkest terms, without trees human life could not survive - they are vital in maintaining the balance of climate and the fragile ecosystems of our planet. Trees provide us with building materials, fuel, food, medicine, shade and protection from the elements. Trees are also the link between the earth and the sky, and for centuries have been revered in many cultures for their links with the past and their spiritual associations. The six chapters in the book look at a different climate zone from the arctic north to the tropical south, describing the native trees in their natural habitat, their relationship and importance to man over the centuries and the part they will play in the future. Within each chapter are features on iconic trees of vital importance to the landscape or to man, looking in detail at their importance in that environment, their spiritual and medicinal uses, the myths and legends that surround them and their many uses. Every continent has its favourite tree that plays a unique role in shaping life: oak, maple, redwood, eucalyptus, olive, apple and mangrove to name but a few. "Trees that Shape the World" will remind readers of the seminal importance of trees - their unique beauty and importance in our world. It is vital that trees are respected and protected, so that we are never again tempted to take them for granted.