It's certainly possible to appreciate a tree for its beauty, its shade, and its shelter without knowing whether it's an alder, an elder, a lime, or a beech. But look harder, and we begin to see the beauty beneath the bark—the tales of how trees are integral to medicine and art as they are furniture and firewood. As well as being an illustrated guide that will help you identify some of the species you see around town every day, this book is a journey through our cities' woody places and a anecdotal treasure trove of facts and history, culture, and leafy lore.