The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono

The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono, Michael McCurdy (Wood Engravings), Wangari Maathai (Foreword), Andy Lipkis (Afterword)

Twenty years ago Chelsea Green published the first trade edition of The Man Who Planted Trees, a timeless eco-fable about what one person can do to restore the earth. The hero of the story, Elzéard Bouffier, spent his life planting one hundred acorns a day in a desolate, barren section of Provence in the south of France. The result was a total transformation of the landscape-from one devoid of life, with miserable, contentious inhabitants, to one filled with the scent of flowers, the songs of birds, and fresh, flowing water.

Since our first publication, the book has sold over a quarter of a million copies and inspired countless numbers of people around the world to take action and plant trees.

Jean Giono (1895-1970), the only son of a cobbler and a laundress, was one of France's greatest writers. He was a pacifist, and he was imprisoned in France for his beliefs during the Second World War. He wrote over thirty novels, scores of short stories, plays, poetry, essays, and filmscripts. Giono won the Prix de Monaco (for the most outstanding collected work by a French writer) among other awards.

Michael McCurdy is one of America's finest wood engravers. He has illustrated nearly 200 books for trade publications and special fine-press editions. His prints and drawings are also shown in galleries throughout the country. McCurdy lives in Springfield, Mass.

Wangari Maathai was awarded the 2004 Nobel Peace Prize for her work in restoring the environment and promoting economic well-being by planting of millions of trees in East Africa through her Green Belt Movement.

Andy Lipkis is the founder and president of TreePeople.