Sunday, May 08, 2022

Trees: An Anthology of Writings and Paintings

This exquisite collection of Hermann Hesse’s prose, poetry and drawings about trees was provided to me by Kales Press. It is a lovely small book with watercolor illustrations painted by Hesse, a Nobel Prize for Literature winner (1946). In the opening piece Hesse writes "Nothing is more sacred, nothing more exemplary, than a strong and beautiful tree." Trees are inspirational and are also our strongest allies in dealing with climate change. Trees offer us a connection with past generations and those yet to come. In a world where so many of us have lost our connection with nature, this collection offers a grounding influence. Hesse reminds us that the life of a tree is a metaphor for our own life of perseverance, happiness, and purpose. This book also  feels right in the hands, easy to carry on walks among the trees and to ponder their beauty. It was a pleasure to read.

Trees: An Anthology of Writings and Paintings by Hermann Hesse, edited by Volker Michels, translated by Damion Searls.

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