The Best Loved Trees of America

Published by Doubleday & Company, Inc., this beautifully illustrated (with photographs) guide represents one of the classic American tree identification and appreciation books of the mid-20th century. Robert S. Lemmon was a respected naturalist and botanical writer who specialized in making complex botanical information accessible to general audiences.

This comprehensive guide showcases America's most beloved and significant tree species, combining scientific accuracy with accessible prose that appeals to both amateur nature enthusiasts and serious botanists. Lemmon's approach emphasizes the cultural, historical, and ecological importance of trees in American landscapes, moving beyond mere identification to explore the deep connections between trees and human society. The book covers everything from towering redwoods to humble dogwoods, presenting each species with detailed descriptions, habitat information, and cultural significance.

Robert S. Lemmon established himself as one of America's premier nature writers during the golden age of popular natural history writing. His work bridged the gap between academic botany and public education, helping to foster the growing environmental awareness of the post-war era. This book represents the culmination of his expertise in making botanical science accessible and engaging to general readers.

The book appeared during a period of increased American interest in nature conservation and outdoor recreation, coinciding with the expansion of the National Park System and growing suburban interest in gardening and landscaping. The book's publication by Doubleday, a major mainstream publisher, demonstrates how nature writing had moved from specialized audiences to general readership during this era.