‘This is a profound meditation on the human need for connection with nature, as one man seeks solace beneath the bows of an ancient oak tree. The tree and its surrounds come to life in shimmering detail, and Canton's writing has an exquisite, somewhat dreamlike quality.’ —Peter Wohlleben, author of the international bestseller The Hidden Life of Trees
‘A lyrical journey into our deep relationship with trees. Canton shows us how paying attention to our gnarled green elders can reveal rich layers of culture, psychology, and ecology. He is a wise and inspiring guide.’ —David George Haskell, Pulitzer finalist, author of The Forest Unseen and The Songs of Trees
‘James Canton knows so much, writes so well and understands so deeply about the true forest magic and the important place these trees have in it. Knowledge and joy.’ —Sara Maitland
‘This is a moving, poetic and life-affirming exploration of the idea that a person can form a rich and rewarding bond with an individual tree. The Oak Papers possesses great sensitivity, real wisdom and a deep mystical power.’ —Patrick Barkham
‘With rare delicacy and precision, James Canton has captured the magnificence and mystique of the oak tree. The Oak Papers is a book of deep knowledge, perception, and love.’ —Philip Marsden
‘An enchanting piece of nature writing and a meditation on finding connection in a disconnected world’ —Independent
‘James Canton’s book contemplating humanity’s connection to the mighty oak tree has arrived at the perfect time … at the heart of the book lies ponderings on human connectivity with nature – the calm and stillness reflected onto us by our living world … Above all, the book examines how nature is a place away from the anxieties, pressures and noise of daily life.’ —Daily Gazette
‘[An] ode to nature … In such turbulent times, Canton’s meditation on the life of an oak and the wider natural world is a reminder to stop, take a breath and take note of our surroundings.’ —Radio Times
‘An uplifting example of nature writing’ —Daily Mail
‘A beautiful reflection on the relationship between humans and oak trees … [the] beautiful language and meditative nature of this work [lends] itself to quiet reflective reading’ —Wee Review
‘[Left] me with a sense of awe and wonder … the book brings peace and calm to the reader … Much of the beauty in the read is in its stillness and its simplicity … you owe it to your soul if nothing else to give this book your time’ —Bookmunch
