Three World Oak: 'the first memoir dedicated to a plant genus'

Advance copies of my new book, Three Worlds Oak, can now be ordered through the publisher in the UK and Europe (Reaktion Books) and its distributor in the USA (University of Chicago Press). I don't have a link yet for Australia but it will be distributed here by New South Books (Reaktion Books will also ship overseas).

As to whether it is 'the first memoir dedicated to a plant genus' as stated on the University of Chicago Press site, or indeed the first memoir of a genus, as I've described it to some, that's for you to decide. The synopsis is as follows:

A dying hybrid oak in Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens sets off on an imaginative search for its parents, and in doing so reveals the extraordinary diversity of the genus Quercus. From the Himalaya to Mexico, from knee-high scrub to rainforest giants, more than four hundred species of oak shape landscapes, cultures and histories. Their leaves can blaze red and gold, acorns can be the size of a hand, and while only a few cross the equator to the south others survive in mountains to 4,000 metres. Including specially drawn illustrations, this witty and uniquely eccentric memoir shows there is far more to oaks than the familiar English tree, inviting readers to look anew at one of the world’s most beloved plants.

In other people's words (and thanks for their generous reading):

'This is a remarkable book. It recounts, from the perspective of a single oak tree, the history and diversity of the many species which make up the genus Quercus . . . [With] splendid illustrations.'

Charles Watkins, University of Nottingham, author of Trees Ancient and Modern: Woodland Cultures and Conservation

'If an oak could speak, what would it say? I revelled in this vital, epic story, wittily told by one tree. Tim Entwisle charmingly animates the history and biology of the oak and brings to life its uneasy relationships with fungi.'

Jonathan Drori, author of Around the World in 80 Trees

'Like so many around this green planet, I have loved oak trees but I never imagined one would talk to me. Tim Entwisle’s stricken garden guest, like so many human beings today, was driven to find its possible ancestors – and what an adventure it turns out to be. The range of this great family of plants is magnificent – and his book has exquisite illustrations to prove it. As I toast this rare achievement with a fine wine, I pause, nod, and recognize where the cork came from.'

Robyn Williams, host of The Science Show on ABC Radio National

'Tim Entwisle weaves a global survey of oaks into a literary tapestry – infused with Latin American magical realism and Nabokovian annotations – framed through the vision of a single decaying tree. While delivering an account of genus Quercus, at times humorous and scholarly throughout, he showcases the remarkable oak collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria. Essential reading for oak enthusiasts and cognoscenti, and for anyone who values a story well told.'

Roderick Cameron, former president of the International Oak Society

Title slide from my talk on the new book; illustrations by Lynda Entwisle

Publication date is 1 September 2026 and I'm happy to give a talk, and sign & sell copies, any time after this date.