About the Book

John Muir Climbs a Tree and Other Tree Tales

An Anthology of Tree Stories

This anthology celebrates humanity’s enduring relationship with trees. Through thirty-two diverse stories — ranging from John Muir’s exhilarating ascent of a Douglas fir during a storm to Native legends, personal childhood memories, historical anecdotes, and reflective essays — the book explores how trees shape lives, landscapes, and legacies. W. Jim Cortese, a seasoned arborist, infuses the collection with personal nostalgia, ecological insight, and admiration for the natural world. The anthology honors trees not only as biological marvels but as silent witnesses to human history, sources of solace, symbols of resilience, and bridges between generations. Whether it’s a mythic tale of transformation, a humorous childhood misadventure, or a scientific observation wrapped in narrative charm, each piece invites readers to reconnect with nature and reflect on their own “tree stories.”