The Piñon Pine

The Piñon Pine: A Natural and Cultural History
by Ronald M. Lanner

A beautifully written survey of the natural history of piñon pines. Including a section on pine-nut cookery, this book provides an almost perfect description of the place where plants and people meet. 

Pine nuts were of great importance to indigenous peoples. All pine trees produce edible nuts; the ones described in this book are the species that provide the largest and tastiest seeds - the invaluable and fascinating piñon pines.