This introductory text sets world forestry in the context of social, environmental, historical, economic and conservation issues. It explores how people relate to forests and how forests have been used from the time of hunter-gatherers up to the present day. It covers a host of topics including: the development of forests, grassland and humans from the Devonian through to the Age of Agriculture; the factors determining the distribution of forests; the classification of forest types; the value and benefits of the forest; and the products of the forest and their associated trade. It also explores issues such as sustainable forest management, current patterns of deforestation and reforestation, and future challenges facing our forests. This book serves as a textbook for general courses on forestry or themes such as forest and society, given to a wide range of students.