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.
PRODUCT INFORMATION
Summary
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.
Description
The narrator of this allegorical tale, journeying by foot across the barren plains of the lower Alps, has his thirst assuaged by the well water drawn by the shepherd Elzéard Bouffier. Thus begins the subtle parable that 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 traveller are transformed by the dedication of one man. All with the help of a few acorns. Written in the 1950s, Giono's brief story, which he hoped would help set in motion a worldwide reforestation programme, had a message ahead of its time. It has inspired many readers over the years to rediscover the harmonies of the countryside and prevent its wilful destruction. This edition is enhanced by Harry Brockway's delightful engravings and by an afterword by Alyne Giono.
Critic Reviews
"In Giono's work what every sensitive, full-blooded individual ought to be able to recognise at once is 'the song of the world'" -- Henry Miller "A book for children from 8 to 80. I love the humanity of this story and how one man's efforts can change the future for so many" -- Michael Morpurgo Independent
About the Author
Jean Giono was born in Manosque, in southeastern France, in 1895. He was largely self-taught. His experiences serving as an infantryman in World War I set the stage for his pacifism in World War II. In 1939, Giono spent two months in jail for pacifist activities. He was blacklisted by French Liberationist writers, although Andre Gide came to his defense, and in 1954, he was elected to the Academie Goncourt.
Back Cover
WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY RICHARD MABEY By this time the 1910 oaks were ten years old and taller than both him and me. They were an impressive sight. I was left literally speechless, and as he didn't speak either we spent the whole day walking silently through his forest. When you remembered that it had all emerged from the hands and spirit of this one man...you saw that men could be as efficient as God in other things beside destruction. ILLUSTRATED BY HARRY BROCKWAY
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