The Wild Trees: A Story of Passion and Daring.

THE WILD TREES: A Story of Passion and Daring RICHARD PRESTON

Redwood trees are the largest living things on Earth, with trunk diameters that run up to 10 meters and heights of up to 30 stories. Preston, author of the thriller The Hot Zone (1994, Random House), tells a story of adventure and scientific discovery. Much of the action takes place in the canopies of Northern California's redwood forests, Dangerous ascents to the tops of these trees reveal a world of hanging ferns, mosses, and animal species. Preston recounts the history of these ancient trees, some of which have been alive since before the fall of the Roman Empire. While many of the redwoods have been logged, pockets of deep, dark, and relatively undisturbed forest still exist. In a parallel narrative, Preston recounts the search for the tallest living tree. He reveals the private and personal struggles of the redwoods team and his own experience as part of it. Random House, 2007, 291 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $25.95.