Forest Unseen, The

Haskell, David George

  13 Reviews

Just as the poet William Blake suggested the idea of seeing the world in a grain of sand and heaven in a wild flower, biologist David George Haskell presents a contemporary equivalent, focusing on a square metre of old forest on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee. Observed almost daily for a year, this patch of forest teeming with life reveals the intricate and complex nature of ecosystems and through a philosophical lens, our place in the world. Blending current scientific thinking with a lyrical writing style, this is a book to savour.

Comments from Groups

We chose this book as our favourite of the year because of the brilliant scientific knowledge combined with the most lyrical writing, a rare combination. It almost needs to come with a warning - this book cannot be rushed, it is a form of meditation and reflection. Several members have bought their own copies or to give to friends and family such was its impact. Nelson 009

Absolutely fascinating and beautifully written. We'll never look at a forest floor the same way again. Taupo 004

Most found the book interesting, but only one read the whole book. It was too wordy to read more than a chapter at a time. We admired the author's philosophy and depth of knowledge. Clarkville 001

Wow!! No one owned up to requesting this book, but everyone has found it fascinating, interesting and most absorbing. It took us on a journey to new places, and even though it was a difficult read (so much to digest), we loved it. Thanks. Whakatane 011

We had a good discussion, as there was so much to consider with this book. It was a book to really make you think, although not all members finished it. A good book to read 1 or 2 chapters at a time - and a book you could have to keep, and just pick up and read anytime, and any chapter. As far as I was concerned, it was magical. Wonderful writing too. Te Kuiti 002

The majority loved it, finding the intricacies and interconnectedness of the ecosystem fascinating. The poetic language delightfully enhanced it also. Some members are buying their own copy. Coromandel 002

Half the group loved it; the others didn't finish it. We decided it was the kind of book where you needed to read a chapter a day, as there was a lot of information - too much to absorb at one time. Dunedin 033

Without exception the group loved this read. Some are going to purchase their own copy for future reference. Masterton 004

Reviews