The American chestnut was once one of the most common and majestic trees in east coast forests. But in the early years of the 20th century, a mysterious blight arrived from Asia, began infecting chestnut trees. The bight swept through the forests like a relentless wildlife, killing chestnuts from Georgia to Maine. Within two generations nearly 4 billion trees had died – one of the first and most dramatic examples of how invasive pathogens can decimate a landscape. 

​

Freinkel chronicles the devastating impact of the chestnut tree's precipitous disappearance, especially in southern Appalachia where homesteaders relied on the nuts and lumber from the trees to sustain their hardscrabble lives. She also follows the generations of scientists who, since the earliest days of the blight, have fought to save the species. In an era of ever-accelerating biodiversity, the drive to restore the American chestnut offers inspiration and. perhaps ultimately, the rare happy ending. 

 

Reviews

​

"American chestnut is a parable for our time; a sad and salutary tale beautifully told by U.S. science journalist Susan Freinkel

—Nature

 

"Reads smoothly, like a well-written novel. . . . A thoroughly absorbing book."

—Library Journal, Starred review

 

“A fascinating roundup of the characters and passions behind a century-old effort to rescue a tree that is both emblematic in American culture and deeply problematic to its erstwhile saviors.”
—Orion 

 

An "enthralling synthesis of science and sentiment... time after time, this impassioned book strikes resonant emotional chords that transform dry facts into dynamic prose."

—Publishers Weekly

 

"Freinkel chronicles the history of the tree, the people who drew their livelihood from its high quality wood, and the conservationists who are working with a near-obsessive passion to revitalize the chestnut population."

—Science News

 

"Delivers a spellbinding microhistory teeming with tales of conviction, ambition, frustration, and just plain luck. With poetic sensibility and crystalline objectivity, Freinkel artfully explains the effect of this historic annihilation and cogently explores the practical and philosophical challenges that lie ahead."            

—Booklist

​​