The amateur botanist will find this a thorough, informative, and current overview of trees -- others may fred it recondite. Beginning with their use (""What Good Are Trees?""), Riedman continues with taxonomy (""Is It a Tree or a Bush?"") and enters the formidable forest of anatomy and physiology (xylem and phloem, chloroplast, spongy mesophyll), explicating photosynthesis, respiration, growth, dormancy, and fertilization. Riedman is careful with such intimidating words; yet the average reader may find the matter-of-fact presentation of P660, gymnosperms, and phytochrome too advanced. The book concludes with the requisite discourse on ecosystems and an exhortation for better forest management. Recommended for the enthusiast.