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Summary: A lesson in one man's respect and awareness of nature.
Review: This book is a useful tool in environmental education. The story follows the transformation of a valley from a devestated wasteland to a productive, healthy forest ecosystem, all because of the dedication and love of one man. Detailed woodcarvings illustrate the text.
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Summary: In memory of Robert J. Lurtsema.
Review: This is a simple, heartwarming and thoroughly uplifting story, narrated by Robert J. Lurtsema with incidental music provided by Paul Winter and his Consort. It tells of the overwhelmingly empowering effect that a single human being can have, through sheer dint of commitment.The story, by Jean Giono, is simplicity itself. Over a period of three decades, Elzéard Bouffier, a Frenchman finding himself widowed and alone in a barren and desolate region of France, began to transform the area through the simple act of collecting and sorting acorns, and then planting one hundred of the most propitious-appearing acorns each day. It was a task of solitude and almost religious solemnity, taking place totally outside the view of others. Over time, Bouffier transformed the region, making it once again a hospitable place. Many years after the start of Bouffier's work, people - including foresters - marveled at what they "had missed," totally unaware that this was the life's work of a single human being. Almost anyone could have narrated this simple tale of regeneration with effectiveness. That the task fell to Robert J. Lurtsema is pleasurable beyond measure to one who made it a habit, when he could, to listen to Lurtsema's PBS-syndicated program, "Morning Pro Musica." Robert J. was a polyglot in the best sense of the term, able to talk with authority on a wide range of topics. And now, in retrospect, I cannot picture anyone else telling this story with equal effect. Recently, my wife and I were nearing the end of a five-hour car journey, and I played this album for her, since she had yet to hear it. She was transformed by the simple beauty of the tale, and by Robert J.'s incomparable narrative skills. As matters would have it, the timing of this event was eerily perfect yet totally unplanned: Elsewhere, at precisely the same hour, a memorial celebration of Robert J. was in process. And his collaborator and long-time friend Paul Winter was there, sharing his reminiscences of this remarkable man. Robert J., this review's for you.
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Summary: Delightful!
Review: This is a wonderful read. It makes a great bedtime story and it is also beautiful (the wood carvings) and inspiring. This is good for people tired of reading what is wrong with the environment. The Man Who Planted Trees is kind of like a sophisticated Lorax book. Anyway, buy this book and enjoy it!
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Summary: Gets to the heart of a truly special tree-person
Review: This story has inspired me to give selflessly where ever I can back to nature. True naturalism is represented within its pages. As a horticulturalist, I've over time seen my own young trees that I've planted throughout the region, grow into large beautiful specimans. I've also seen the effect a stand of trees can have on a neighborhood. The Man Who Planted Trees, is a lesson in the true meaning of life.
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Summary: Great story
Review: This story was meant to be Jean Giono's gift to the world, but the publishers took over to make money. There are certain places on the web where you can still access this wonderful story the way in which the author intended.
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Summary: A brilliant piece of work of awe inspiring passion
Review: With the first few words my heart was taken. I found myself drawn into the inspirational isolationist world of this humble sheppard. He is one of a kind, a person who needs not any material posetions, or company, except the quiet comfort of his dog, but with out him I expect still he would not be lonely. The man who planted trees, now also available in an award winning video, does not need to have pictures or vast descriptions, its simplicity prooves the passion and beauty the man possesed. One story which must be experienced.
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