The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine
In this novel, the protagonist's family has lived for generations near a thousand-year-old pine tree, which is said to have mystical powers. The story revolves around the family's struggles and triumphs, exploring themes of tradition, identity, and the connection between humans and nature.
By Enos A. Mills · First published 1907 · Genre: Nature Writing, Environmental Literature, Memoir · 3 chapters · 3,983 words
First lines
The peculiar charm and fascination that trees exert over many people I had always felt from childhood, but it was that great nature-lover, John Muir, who first showed me how and where to learn their language. Few trees, however, ever held for me such an attraction as did a gigantic and venerable yellow pine which I discovered one autumn day several years ago while exploring the southern Rockies. It grew within sight of the Cliff-Dwellers' Mesa Verde, which stands at the corner of four States, and as I came upon it one evening just as the sun was setting over that mysterious tableland, its character and heroic proportions made an impression upon me that I shall never forget, and which familiar acquaintance only served to deepen while it yet lived and before the axeman came. Many a time I returned to build my camp-fire by it and have a day or a night in its solitary and noble company.
What this Textopian page supports
The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine is listed on Textopian as a short story by Enos A. Mills, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Enos A. Mills
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Writing, Environmental Literature, Memoir, Ecological Non-Fiction, Philosophical Literature
- Length: 3,983 words
- Structure: 3 chapters, 35 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine by Enos A. Mills
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Story of a Thousand-Year Pine?
- How does this short story by Enos A. Mills fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Nature Writing first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Wild Life On The Rockies by Enos A. Mills
- The Spell Of The Rockies by Enos A. Mills
- Watched By Wild Animals by Enos A. Mills
- The Rocky Mountain Wonderland by Enos A. Mills
- In Beaver World by Enos A. Mills
- Travels In Alaska by John Muir
Genres
- Nature Writing — The book focuses on the life and experiences of a thousand-year-old pine tree, exploring its interactions with the environment and the natural world.
- Environmental Literature — It emphasizes the importance of trees and nature, highlighting themes of conservation and the impact of human activity on the environment.
- Memoir — The narrative reflects the author's personal experiences and observations, particularly his emotional connection to the tree.
- Ecological Non-Fiction — The work provides insights into the ecological significance of trees and their role in the ecosystem.
Tags
Nature · Conservation · Environmentalism · Ecology · Trees · Forestry · Wildlife · National Parks · American West · Rocky Mountains · Colorado · Adventure