The Soul of a Tree

This book is a work of historical fiction about the Great Basking Ridge Oak tree and its mysterious connection to a long ago past of patriotism, murder and perseverance. Follow the tree through its journey of life and life after. It played a role in so many lives and families but also kept a secret for 200 years to then be preserved forever in songs, music from instruments, keepsakes, and useful tools all made from its branches. Trees play an important role in our lives. They provide most everything we need to survive as humans from food to shelter and even medicines. My hope is that in the pages of this book people will take away a good story and possibly reflect on their own family history, but also understand that even trees have a life span and during that time they provide so much for humans, animals, and the environment. But their end isn't the END for a tree!!! No no!!! they can become something else! Possibly an instrument or furniture, lumber, medicine, or even the paper to write this book!!! So, hats off to our trees!! Trees are natures renewable resource and story tellers! If we listen!!

David Schneck has spent his life in the timber industry doing mostly habitat improvement, sustainable forestry and timber salvage, with a passion for history and folklore the repurposing of trees provides the paper and the inspiration for his writing.