Slow Wood

“Compelling… . [Donahue] seamlessly weaves in discussion of the ecological history of various tree species, the history of the tools and techniques used to harvest wood, the legal history that led to the current ownership status of forests, and the history of Native Americans’ relationship with forests.”—Frederick H. Turner, Natural Resources & Environment

Longlisted for the Massachusetts Book Awards, sponsored by the MA Center for the Book

“Beautiful, insightful, and written for the ages, Slow Wood asks us to stop seeing the woods as a warehouse for future two by fours or a living painting. Instead, Brian Donahue asks us to use trees as the best way to know them, appreciate them, and conserve them.”—Steven Stoll, author of Ramp Hollow: The Ordeal of Appalachia

“These are enjoyable and very much informative tales of one family’s journey along the right path. Using local wood, timber framing, and masonry heaters, does it get any better?”—Jack A. Sobon, author of Hand Hewn: The Traditions, Tools, and Enduring Beauty of Timber Framing

“Brian Donahue makes a passionate and innovative case for the responsible use of forests as a place to ground a sustainable future.”—Nancy Langston, author of Climate Ghosts and Sustaining Lake Superior

“Slow Wood is an honest and elegantly written work that explains the tie between forest use and house construction, and shows how to live more productive, less environmentally costly, and more beautiful lives.”—Mark Fiege, author of The Republic of Nature: An Environmental History of the United States

“An engaging and thought-provoking insight into nature, community, and human responsibility to both that draws from Donahue’s deep knowledge of history, ecology, and conservation and lifelong commitment to working and living the land of farms and forests.”—David R. Foster, author of A Meeting of Land and Sea: Nature and the Future of Martha’s Vineyard

Brian Donahue is professor emeritus of American Environmental Studies at Brandeis University. He is a farmer, historian, and conservationist, and the author of prize-winning books about the past and future of New England farms and forests. He lives in Gill, MA.

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