John Evelyn Sylva, Discourse of Forest Trees 1786

Please click on each image to enlarge and for prices

A Winter View of the Canthorpe Oak
JEV51 $195


Title Page JEV52 $55	Title Page JEV53 NFS	A South East View of the Green Dale Oak near Welbeck JEV54 $95


The Occidental Plane Tree JEV66 SOLD	The White Poplar Tree JEV75 $85	The common Elm Tree JEV76 $95

The Silver Firr Tree JEV55 $125	The Crack Willow JEV32 $115	The Yew Tree- some marginal foxing not shown JEV15 $75


The Occidental Plane Tree JEV66 $95	The Quicken Tree JEV68 $115	The Cork Tree JEV69 $85


The wild Black Cherry Tree JEV70 SOLD	The Wild Service Tree JEV71 $125	The Occidental Plane Tree JEV73 $115

The Alder Tree JEV78 $95	The Hazel Nut Tree JEV60 $115	The Birch Tree JEV34 $115


The common Ash Tree JEV79 $85	The common Maple Tree JEV80 $85	The Hornbeam Tree JEV81 $85

We are delighted to offer a selection of prints from Sylva, or a Discourse of Forest Trees by John Evelyn, published in 1786. This influential volume was originally published in 1664 in response to the destruction of forests in England's wooded estates after the Interregnum. It inspired the land owners of the day to engage in reforestation, which not only ensured a steady supply of commercial timber for future generations, but also helped conserve the natural beauty of the English woodlands.

John Evelyn (1620-1706) was a life-long public servant and an avid gardener. He was well known as a friend of royalty and as a learned man. John lived during fascinating times, witnessing the Great London Fire, the English Revolution & subsequent rule of Oliver Cromwell, the Restoration, and the reign of Charles II. Today he is remembered primarily for his diary, a treasure trove of information on the life and manners of 17th century England.