This text offers a comprehensive overview of the anatomical and physical nature of wood and the relationship of these characteristics to its many uses. Authors Shmulsky and Jones (both: forest products, Mississippi State U.) offer a substantially revised and reorganized sixth edition (the previous edition was published in 2007). New material includes expanded coverage of environmental issues, biomass, and bioenergy. Discussion begins with tree growth and woody tissue production, and the topics that follow include softwood and hardwood structures, strength and mechanics, silvicultural practices and wood quality, pulp and paper, energy and chemical products, and global raw materials. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
