We know that trees improve living conditions in cities by filtering and cooling the air, absorbing excess rainwater, and making neighborhoods more attractive. But little has been said about their role as witnesses to the city's past until now. In this collection of personal narratives, historical observations, and color photographs, Benjamin Swett focuses on great trees with stories to tell, adding a warm and welcome narrative that is unique to the city and its cosmopolitan character. The stories of these trees, from all five boroughs--some dating from the Revolutionary era and before--link the living with the past in an engaging way not found in other books. A show of the photographs from the book will take place at the Arsenal Gallery in Central Park, March 6 through April 18, 2013.