My father’s last book is finally making its way into the world.
This work had its start in the 1970s when our family moved to Vermont and Ted Merrill had access to an abundant supply of local hardwoods for the first time.
As a lifelong woodcarver, Ted was eager to take advantage of the vast array of wood varieties available to him. He began recording his observations as he collected and carved piece after piece.
I remember the dime store spiral notebook he kept, the title “Wood Log” neatly inked on the cover (and yes, he chuckled whenever he showed it off to someone). He kept copious notes on his chunks of wood, waxing, bagging, weighing and labeling each as it came into his hands and carefully noting changes as the pieces dried.
From those magical years, and a lifelong love of wood as a medium for personal expression, came this book.
I’m thrilled to be its publisher. I’m thrilled to share the cover with you as its publication date approaches.
Without further ado, I give you:
Look for a post very soon about our collaborative process for designing the cover. Our Dad would be proud.
The Best of It 