The book is divided into 10 main chapters, each of which explores a single genus of tree Pine, Juniper, Oak, Hornbeam, Cherry, Beech, Birch, Chestnut, Douglas- Fir and Poplar. Each chapter provides the reader with a short introduction to the genus, followed by a journalistic account of its relevance to modern day life (from gin making on Islay Island to a truffle farm in Spain), and concludes with an account of the genus in its native forest