The Tree Climber’s Guide cover art

The Tree Climber’s Guide

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About this listen

‘After I finished this book I alarmed my family by going into the garden and climbing the apple tree.’ – Damian Whitworth, The Times

‘One of the publishing sensations of the year … For anyone who has ever felt a little overwhelmed in a big city, or wanted to step out of the rat race for an hour or two, Jack Cooke will be something of an inspiration.’ – Robert Hardman, Daily Mail

A wonderful cocktail of engaging writing, beautiful illustration and heartfelt appreciation for the natural world. An essential oddity for any book collection.

In this charming, witty and exquisitely illustrated companion, Jack Cooke explores the city through its canopy; teetering on the edge of an oak’s branches, scurrying up a Scots pine, spying views from the treetops that few have ever had the chance to see. He takes us through the parks, over the canals and rivers and into secret gardens on his journey sometimes only ten foot above the street.

Part guidebook, part meditation on the consolations of nature, The Tree Climber’s Guide is as uniquely odd, alluring and motley as the trees themselves. It is a journey into the tangle of bark and branches that surround us all and a welcome reminder that the best things in life are free – they just sometimes require a step in the right direction.

Biological Sciences Botany & Plants Climbing & Mountaineering Ecosystems & Habitats Hygiene & Healthy Living Nature & Ecology Outdoors & Nature Science Western Europe Witty Heartfelt Adventure Sports

Critic reviews

‘Wonderful. I agree with so much of what Jack has to say – about trees, risk, being more child-like, and seeking out pockets of peace even in our cities.’ – Alastair Humphreys, author of Microadventures

‘After I finished this book I alarmed my family by going into the garden and climbing the apple tree.’ – Damian Whitworth, The Times

‘One of the publishing sensations of the year … For anyone who has ever felt a little overwhelmed in a big city, or wanted to step out of the rat race for an hour or two, Jack Cooke will be something of an inspiration.’ – Robert Hardman, Daily Mail

‘His descriptions are a joy to read, encapsulating the simple pleasures and the challenges of scaling a tree. 'A dendritic delight' – Londonist

‘Beautifully written and beautifully illustrated… his joy and wonder as he views the city from his bird's-eye vantage point are infectious. So much so, that on my way home from work, I found myself eyeing up trees and thinking, if only I could get a leg up. An absolute delight.’ – Catherine Small, The Irish News

All stars
Most relevant
If you have a passion for history and trees this book is definitely for you.

Very educational

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A very original account of what must be a rare adult pastime. This book probably means much more to people who know the city and can picture the locations. I would have preferred fewer literary references and more of the fascinating facts about hugely diverse topics which are touched on in the book. Vividly descriptive but irritatingly pretentious at times.

Original

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An amazing Audible, loved it from start to finish!! Very well written and superbly narrated by the author.

Superb book, well read!

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