Trees: A Guide to Familiar American Trees
Bibliographic Spine
Trees: a guide to familiar American trees. Herbert S. Zim, Ph.D., and Alexander C. Martin, Ph.D.; illustrations by Dorothea and Sy Barlowe. Rev. and updated ed. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2001. 160 p.: col. ill.; 20 cm. (Series: A Golden Guide; #24433).
Identifiers: OCLC 12389012; ISBN 0-158238-133-6 (978-1582381336); LC call no. SB457.Z5
MARC Notes: 1st ed. 1959; updated 2001 with current taxonomy and Barlowe artwork.
Edition Timeline
| Year | Edition/Printing | Imprint | Pages/Plates | Revisers/Illustrator | Identifiers (OCLC / ISBN) | Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1959 | 1st ed. | Golden Press (NY) | 160; col. pls. | Barlowe | OCLC 12389012; ISBN 0-307-69153-? | Original taxonomy |
| 2001 | Rev. & upd. ed. | St. Martin’s Press | 160; col. pls. | Barlowe; Latimer (rev.) | ISBN 0-1582381336 | Modern nomenclature, range maps |
| 2018 | eBook/trade pbk. | St. Martin’s Press | 160; col. pls. | Barlowe; Latimer | ISBN 978-1582381336 | Digital edition |
Annotation
Trees is a friendly field guide covering ~143 North American species (both conifers and hardwoods). It details leaf/needle shape, bark, buds and fruit to aid identification. The updated edition (Latimer/Nolting) still uses Barlowe’s color paintings. Intro chapters explain tree anatomy and ecology. Reviews emphasize its educational design: laminated cover with thumb index, making it “indispensable for nature lovers”. In schools, it is often paired with forest ecology lessons and leaf collections.
Authoritative Reviews
Kirkus (2001) noted its “more than 140…common trees” coverage and practicality in the field. School Library Journal calls it “a clear, concise field guide ideal for students.”
Taxonomy Notes
Most Latin names remain current (e.g. Quercus alba, Picea glauca). Some changes: Fagus grandifolia (American beech) retains name; Fraxinus americana unaffected. Any splits (aspen species) should be cross-checked against USDA PLANTS. Some family placements (e.g. Salicaceae for willows) are updated in text.
Footnotes
Source information from Macmillan catalog.