The Man Who Planted Trees - Softcover

Giono, Jean; Giono, Aline

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1860461174 ISBN 13: 9781860461170

Publisher: Random House UK, 2003

Synopsis

A parable for modern times, The Man Who Planted Trees is a simple and unforgettable tale about perseverance, hope, and humility. In the years before the First World War, in the foothill sof the French Alps, the narrator meets a shepherd who has quietly taken on the task of planing 100 acorns a day in an effort to reforest the desolate region. Over the next several decades, this man's quiet, solitary works comes to fruition—the region in transformed, life and hope return, and the world is renewed.

About this title

Review:

The Man Who Planted Trees is not a detailed how-to guide to planting; it is a touching story of Elzéard Bouffier, who devoted his entire life to reforesting a desolate portion of Provence, in southern France. He single-handedly planted 100 acorns each day before, through, and after two world wars, and transformed a sorrowful place into one full of life and joy. Jean Giono's words offer a tribute to how much good one person can accomplish in a lifetime and advise on how to live life with deep meaning. Illustrated with moving, beautiful wood engravings by Michael McCurdy, The Man Who Planted Trees is simply written but powerful and unforgettable. The text is also available on tape, eloquently narrated by Robert J. Lurtsema and accompanied by music from the Paul Winter Consort.

From the Publisher:

Jean Giono's beautiful allegorical tale is legendary. Written in the 1950's, its message was ahead of its time, inspiring readers to rediscover the harmonies of the countryside and prevent its willful destruction.

The narrator, journeying by foot across the barren plains of the lower Alps, has his thirst assuaged by the well water drawn by the shepherd Elzeaerd Bouffier. Here begins the subtle parable which Giono weaves of the life-giving shepherd who chooses to live alone and carry out the work of God. Over forty years the desolate hills and lifeless villages which so oppressed the traveler are transformed by the dedication of one man. All with the help of a few acorns.

Giono's hope was to set in motion a worldwide reforestation program that would rejuvenate the earth. The Man Who Planted Trees is a hymn to creation and a purveyor of confidence in man's ability to change his-indeed the world's-lot.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House UK
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 1860461174
• ISBN 13: 9781860461170
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 5
• Number of pages: 81
• Illustrator: Brockway Harry