These are some of the books used in collecting information for the Sacred Woods site.
One of the few books out there which looks at trees and myths from literally all over the world, from New Zealand to North America.
Based on the work of Allen Meredith, who has single-handedly brought the history, the longevity, and the plight of the yew tree to public consciousness in Britain. Chock full of mythology and folklore surrounding trees in general and the yew in particular.
A little on the flaky side, but has some useful bits on treelore.
The much referenced classic on poetry, treelore and the Ogham, anything by Graves always comes with the standard warning: corroborate everything somewhere else before taking his word on it.
Focusing mainly on the magical and medicinal properties of trees found in North America. Conspicuous in its omission of the yew, apparently due to a tragedy involving a friend of the author's.
An incredibly useful and thorough little book with over 2,000 listings of herbs and trees, and a wonderful section in the back on the folklore associated with several species of each.
Like all Peterson guides, indespensible for field identification.
A lovely little book which combines factual information with historical tales and personal anecdotes about wood and the uses to which it has been put in North America. Everything from details of how charcoal was made, to an homage to old barns. Illustrated throughout with pen and ink sketches. Includes a very practical identification guide to North American trees in the back.
Jennifer Smith