Haskell David Knihy

Eclectic, brilliant, and beautifully written, this book reboots our aromatic memory, highlighting our connection to trees. It offers a transportive olfactory journey through the forest, with each chapter summoning a new aroma: leaf litter, woodsmoke, pine resin, and more. The author serves as a knowledgeable and witty companion, guiding readers to breathe in the world around them. The narrative connects deeply with trees through scents tied to emotions and memories. Thirteen essays explore evocative aromas, from the smell of freshly printed pages to the calming scent of Linden blossom, and even the ingredients of a perfect gin & tonic. Imagine holding a highball glass beaded with cool moisture, inhaling the herbal odour of European juniper berries, and tasting the convergence of three continents with each sip. Each essay invites readers to engage in practices, such as taking a tree inventory of their surroundings to appreciate the many ways trees enrich our lives. For those who’ve ever hugged a tree in secret, the book encourages you to breathe in the scents of nearby trees, from the refreshing aroma of eucalyptus leaves to the earthy smell of pine after rain. This work is a celebration of nature's complexity and an invitation to reconnect with the world.

This work delves into how the evolution of natural and manmade sounds has shaped our world and highlights the current threats to its acoustic diversity. Our planet is enveloped in a rich tapestry of song and speech, yet this diversity faces unprecedented danger. The author, combining his insights as a listener and ecologist with recent scientific findings, investigates the acoustic marvels of Earth. He traces the origins of animal song and the historical journey of sound, celebrating the creative processes behind our diverse auditory landscape. Sounds are not only products of vibrant ecosystems but also catalysts for them, influenced by animal behavior, environmental shifts, and cultural changes. Currently, four interconnected sensory crises are diminishing our sonic environment: deforestation is erasing complex soundscapes; ocean noise pollution is harming acoustically sensitive marine life; urban noise is exacerbating social inequities; and a disconnection from the Earth's living voices diminishes our sense of joy and ethical responsibility. As wild sounds fade and human noise prevails, the world risks becoming less dynamic and creative. This narrative invites readers to listen, reflect, connect, and take action to preserve our acoustic heritage.