The Man Who Planted Trees - Softcover

Giono, Jean

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0930031067 ISBN 13: 9780930031060

Publisher: Chelsea Green Pub Co, 1985

Synopsis

A barren region in France is brought back to life by the efforts of Elzeard Bouffier who, with great determination, plants 100 acorns everyday over thirty years

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: Chelsea Green Pub Co
• Publication date: 1985
• ISBN 10: 0930031067
• ISBN 13: 9780930031060
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 80