Description This book tells the story of a lonely old shepherd whose tireless devotion transforms the barren wastelands of Provence, in southern France, into a thriving paradise. Once upon a time, in the highlands of Provence, thick forests covered the land and people lived happily together. But greedy and ignorant people cut down the trees without restraint, turning the region into a desolate wasteland swept only by dry winds. Realizing that the loss of trees had turned the land into a forsaken place, an old shepherd came to these highlands and began planting trees. After more than 40 years of continuous planting, a miracle finally happened — the barren land became covered with a magnificent forest. Water began to flow once more through the parched earth, countless flowers bloomed in competition with one another, and birds returned to sing. Above all, the land became a place full of life, drawing many visitors who filled it with bright laughter and songs of joy. Because of this deeply moving story, Jean Giono's 'The Man Who Planted Trees,' first published in 1953, has been translated into more than 13 languages over the past 50 years and is now widely read around the world as a beloved short story. It is cherished not only as an outstanding literary work but also as an educational resource for nurturing young people's spirit and emotional growth, as well as ecological and environmental awareness. For adults, it serves as a fragrant source of quiet reflection. The story's enduring appeal lies in its message: that one person, working alone in solitude without any hope of reward, overcoming countless hardships purely for the good of others and the common good, can achieve miraculous and monumental results through unwavering will and dedication. In today's world, where self-interest is often held as the highest value and people are caught in endless competition and conflict, the protagonist's noble self-sacrifice and spirit of service — free from selfishness — shine all the more brightly as something truly wondrous and sacred. This story is said to be based on the author's own personal experience. While traveling through the Haute-Provence region, Jean Giono encountered a remarkable man — a shepherd who lived alone and had been tirelessly planting trees, breathing life back into the ruined land. Deeply moved by this encounter, the author wrote the first draft of this story and is said to have spent roughly 20 years refining it. The protagonist of this book, Elzéard Bouffier, shows through his own life that anyone — even someone who considers themselves insignificant — can achieve a 'miracle' by holding onto a noble purpose and carrying it out with unwavering resolve. He gives us the confidence to believe that ordinary people can grow to the stature of extraordinary giants. And through Bouffier, we are reminded of who the true heroes worthy of our respect really are today. As this story teaches us, the truly great are not those with great power, great wealth, or great fame and popularity. True greatness belongs to those who hold a lofty and noble purpose, who seek no reward and expect no recognition, who work quietly and steadfastly without haste, without worshiping speed, and who devote themselves to doing good for the world and for others. It awakens in us a love for all living things and for nature itself. Jean Giono, the author of this work, was born in 1895 in the small town of Manosque in Haute-Provence, southern France. His father was a humble shoemaker. Due to poverty, Giono did not receive a full education, and from the age of 16 he worked at a bank for 18 years. At 17, he fought in World War I for five years on the battlefield. He became a writer through self-study, reading many classics and practicing his craft on his own. In 1929, at the age of 34, he published his first work, 'Hill,' which drew great anticipation and earned special praise from André Gide. Until his death in 1970, he went on to write around 30 novels, essays, and screenplays, becoming recognized as one of the finest French writers of the 20th century.