As some of the oldest living organisms to be found in Europe, yew trees have become inextricably bound up in some of the oldest enduring institutions of European culture. In The Immortal Yew, Tony Hall explores the biological, cultural, and mythic significance of these imposing evergreens. Supporting a range of animals and plants, yew trees foster new life by contributing to biodiversity in their surroundings. But their common occurrence in churchyards and their evergreen leaves have given them a separate folk status as symbols of life--in the British isles, they have come to represent the resurrection and eternal life central to the Christian faith. Their enduring significance to British culture extends beyond the church, however--even the founding political document of British government, the Magna Carta, is believed to have been sealed beneath a yew tree. Despite the enduring presence and significance of the yew tree across a millennium of British history, this seemingly immortal stalwart faces new threats in the twenty-first century as elderly trees near the end of their lives and global climate change threatens the next generation. Perhaps by spending time in the generous shade of one of the yew trees Hall documents in this beautifully illustrated book, a new generation might begin to learn the importance of protecting its legacy and invest in its future.

CNN “Book of the Week” Featuring a foreword by Henry Kissinger The grand strategist and founder of modern Singapore offers key insights and opinions on globalization, geopolitics, economic growth, and democracy in a series of interviews with the author of Destined for War, and others “If you are interested in the future of Asia, which means the future of the world, you’ve got to read this book.” —Fareed Zakaria, CNN When Lee Kuan Yew speaks, presidents, prime ministers, diplomats, and CEOs listen. Lee, the founding father of modern Singapore and its prime minister from 1959 to 1990, has honed his wisdom during more than fifty years on the world stage. Almost single-handedly responsible for transforming Singapore into a Western-style economic success, he offers a unique perspective on the geopolitics of East and West. American presidents from Richard Nixon to Barack Obama have welcomed him to the White House; British prime ministers from Margaret Thatcher to Tony Blair have recognized his wisdom; and business leaders from Rupert Murdoch to Rex Tillerson, CEO of Exxon Mobil, have praised his accomplishments. This book gathers key insights from interviews, speeches, and Lee’s voluminous published writings and presents them in an engaging question and answer format. Lee offers his assessment of China’s future, asserting, among other things, that “China will want to share this century as co-equals with the U.S.” He affirms the United States’ position as the world’s sole superpower but expresses dismay at the vagaries of its political system. He offers strategic advice for dealing with China and goes on to discuss India’s future, Islamic terrorism, economic growth, geopolitics and globalization, and democracy. Lee does not pull his punches, offering his unvarnished opinions on multiculturalism, the welfare state, education, and the free market. This little book belongs on the reading list of every world leader.

Here is the authoritative guide to the great social division in British gardening--back cover.

The gnarled, immutable yew tree is one of the most evocative sights in the British and Irish language, an evergreen impression of immortality, the tree that provides a living botanical link between our own landscapes and those of the distant past. This book tells the extraordinary story of the yew’s role in the landscape through the millennia, and makes a convincing case for the origins of many of the oldest trees, as markers of the holy places founded by Celtic saints in the early medieval ‘Dark Ages’. With wonderful photographic portraits of ancient yews and a gazetteer (with locations) of the oldest yew trees in Britain, the book brings together for the first time all the evidence about the dating, history, archaeology and cultural connections of the yew. Robert Bevan-Jones discusses its history, biology, the origins of its name, the yew berry and its toxicity, its distribution across Britain, means of dating examples, and their association with folklore, with churchyards, abbeys, springs, pre-Reformation wells and as landscape markers. This third edition has an updated introduction with new photographs and corrections to the main text.

As autumn begins, Moss and friends travel to their former home in Ash Row, to find the rare mortal child who can both see and talk to them. The tiny beings know they should be brave and talk back–this is their chance to help reverse the fading of ancient Cumulus, who has now almost disappeared entirely. But they soon realize fading is connected to their role in the world … Can the Hidden Folk prove that guardians of the Wild World are needed after all?

Are you a leader looking for inspiration to make your nation thrive? Do you want to learn from one of the most successful leaders in modern history? Look no further than Lee Kuan Yew: Lessons for Leaders and Nations. This book delves into the life and legacy of Lee Kuan Yew, the founding father of Singapore and the man responsible for transforming it from a third-world country to a thriving metropolis in just a few decades. Along the way, he faced countless challenges and obstacles, including extreme poverty, racial tension, and geopolitical pressures. But through it all, he remained focused and determined to build a better future for his people. Are you tired of struggling to lead your team towards progress and development? Do you feel frustrated by the lack of results and the constant obstacles in your way? Are you struggling to overcome the division and tension within your country? Do you feel like you are fighting an uphill battle to unite your people and create a shared vision for the future? Are you concerned about the future of your country in an ever-changing global landscape? Do you worry about your nation's ability to compete and thrive in a world that is becoming increasingly complex and interconnected? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need to read Lee Kuan Yew: Lessons for Leaders and Nations. This book provides a roadmap for success based on the strategies and principles that Lee Kuan Yew used to transform Singapore into one of the most successful nations in the world. By reading this book, you will gain valuable insights into: The importance of strong leadership and a clear vision for the future. The power of pragmatism and adaptability in the face of change and uncertainty. The value of unity and social cohesion in building a strong and resilient nation. The benefits of investing in education, innovation, and infrastructure to drive economic growth and development. The role of strategic partnerships and alliances in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. In addition to these valuable insights, you will also gain a deep understanding of Lee Kuan Yew's leadership style and philosophy. You will learn how he overcame countless challenges and obstacles to build a nation that is the envy of the world. And you will be inspired to apply these lessons to your own leadership journey, whether you are leading a nation, a business, or a community. Gain valuable insights into leadership and nation-building from one of the most successful leaders in modern history. Learn from the strategies and principles that Lee Kuan Yew used to transform Singapore from a third-world country to a thriving metropolis in just a few decades. Understand the importance of strong leadership, social cohesion, and strategic thinking in building a successful nation. Apply these lessons to your own leadership journey, whether you are leading a nation, a business, or a community. Be inspired to create a better future for your people and your nation. Don't wait any longer to take your leadership to the next level. Order Lee Kuan Yew: Lessons for Leaders and Nations today and start transforming your nation and your leadership journey.

Lee Kuan Yew, as the founding father of independent Singapore, has had an enormous impact on the development of Singapore and of Southeast Asia more generally. Even in his 80s he is a key figure who continues to exert considerable influence from behind the scenes. This book presents a comprehensive overview of Lee Kuan Yew's strategic thought. It charts the development of Singapore over the last six decades, showing how Lee Kuan Yew has steered Singapore to prosperity and success through changing times. It analyses the factors underlying Lee Kuan Yew's thinking, discusses his own writings and speeches, and shows how his thinking on foreign policy, security and international relations has evolved over time.