Many of the talented researchers who have devoted substantial time and energy to uncovering the true story of Johnny Appleseed have not been students of [Emanuel] Swedenborg. Admittedly, it takes many years and thoughtful study to thoroughly understand Swedenborg's theology. While the basics are simple (love God, love your neighbor), the explanations are complex and vast. This is perhaps why Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-82) was inspired to say, "The most remarkable step in the religious history of recent ages is that made by the genius of Swedenborg. A colossal soul, he lies vast abroad of his times, uncomprehended by them, and requires a long focal distance to be seen. He is not to be measured by whole colleges of ordinary scholars." In some cases, the inability to fully comprehend Swedenborg's theology has resulted in mistaken ideas about the true nature of Johnny Appleseed. Scholars have conjectured about why he never married, why he lived in the woods, why he was a vegetarian, why he wouldn't harm a mosquito, and why he wore a cooking pot on his head.

Their conclusions are based on stories that have been handed down through the generations. For the most part, these stories are childhood impressions and dim recollections, passed down in a historical version of "whisper down the lane." And many are "tall tales" told merely to amuse children, but later retold as fact. To reason about Johnny in this way is to draw conclusions based on his outward appearance and not on his essence. It would be like judging a book by its cover, an apple by its peel, or a person by a story about them. In this book, we will go beyond the outward appearance and take a new look at Johnny Appleseed. We will examine the peel (what people saw), enjoy the fruit (what he did), and discover the core of Johnny Appleseed (who he really was).