Dr Wood's Latest Books
Dive into a trilogy of captivating narratives - "Messengers In Time," "Echoes from the Past," and "The Art & History of Violin Cases." Join Dr. Glenn P Wood on a literary journey that explores the depths of history, the echoes of the past, and the fascinating world of wooden boxes. Explore these insightful works and embark on an intellectual adventure.
Echoes from the Past
A sequel to 'Messengers in Time' containing ten short stories of exotic boxes of which two are antique violin cases.
The lives of remarkable characters are soaked into the artifacts and bring them to life.
Messenger In Time
A work of creative non-fiction and tells the stories of several antique boxes that, like the author, were born in foreign places and have spent long lives witnessing history to arrive at their present destinations.
The Art & History of Violin Cases
A true account of some of the most beautiful and important violin cases ever created.
They are linked with the most valuable violins including those by Antonio Stradivari.
Dr Wood's YouTube Channel
Dr Wood's YouTube channel is filled with delightful videos highlighting his books and is an excellent resource on antique boxes, cases and wood. Be sure to subscribe to Dr Wood's YouTube Channel: @GlennYorkPA
Echoes from the Past
Telling their Stories
Stradivari Era Violins
Key Stories
Catherine the Great's Box
Wood decorated with walrus ivory.
Its story in
'Messengers in Time'
King of Burma's Box
Wood decorated with lacquer and gold.
Its story in
'Messengers in Time'
Messengers in Time
Eight short stories of historical wooden boxes
Our latest book
'Messengers in Time' is a work of creative non-fiction and tells the stories of several antique boxes that, like the author, were born in foreign places and have spent long lives witnessing history to arrive at their present destinations.
In this work, the first of a trilogy, Dr Wood (yes, that's his real name!) shares his passion for the material that shares his name. Unlike Stone, Bronze and Iron, wood didn't have an 'Age' named after it and yet it has served mankind well for millennia. Also unlike the other three, wood is under threat as never before. Dr Wood's writings provide insight into the beauty of hardwoods, the craftsmen who worked with them and the owners of the objects made from them.
Our Mission
To give voice to wood in all it's forms as it faces unprecedented challenges from climate change and abuse through unsustainable agricultural practices.
Ancient olive tree
Still bearing fruit after 2,000 years before being grubbed up to make way for a holiday home.
Many beautiful old hardwoods like these are being sacrificed in Asia to make way for fast growing palms yielding palm oil and quick profits. Deforestation is endangering habitats for pygmy elephants and orangutans.
Siamese rosewood
Siamese rosewood, Dalbergia cochinchinensis; a single tree requires military protection against illegal loging in Phu Pha Yon National Park, Thailand.
The rosewood trade is a dirty and dangerous business and discussed in detail in my book on 'Chinese Exotic Woods'.
Huanghuali root
The yellow flowering pear (Dalbergia odorifera), a native of China, was beloved by Ming dynasty furniture makers. Living trees are now few and protected by the Chinese government.
Modern Chinese craftsmen use an alternative species in the knowledge that western auction houses can sell to clients who can't tell the difference.
European furniture
Walnut, oak and mahogany, once plentiful and used as solid planks are now applied to secondary woods as thin veneers.
The walnut tree, Juglan regia, used to make this Spanish vargueno, is a great survivor because it yields both fruit and timber. Discussed in detail in 'Echoes from the Past', the follow up to 'Messengers in Time'.
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