The reputation of the oak is based not on superlatives but on personality. In human terms, it is not a famous celebrity, but a reliable citizen. Its lasting legacy is evident in place names, surnames, monuments, and buildings, as well as a sturdy engineering material. More than any other tree, the oak has symbolized strength and endurance. Venerated in pagan societies, elements of its worship have been absorbed by other religions: Celtic mythology, for instance, where it is believed to be a gateway between worlds, or Norse mythology, where it is sacred to Thor, the god of thunder, as the tree often struck by lightning. The oak has been adopted by many countries as a national symbol, especially in Western Europe and the United States. Some individual oaks hold significant historical importance, such as the Royal Oak in which King Charles II of England hid to escape the Roundheads, and the Charter Oak in Hartford, Connecticut, which became a symbol of American independence. In the book "Oak," Peter Young illuminates and examines this glorious and ubiquitous tree, tracing its biological history in many aspects, both natural and cultural.

The oak, beloved internationally, is found in artistic works, fairy tales, poems, and songs. "Oak" narrates the biography of the tree that has symbolized faith and strength, generosity, and renewal since ancient times.

Pages: 224, Dimensions: 13.8x13.8cm