Heart of Oak

About the Book

This is a fascinating tale spanning nine centuries, following the rise and fall of family dynasties and their fortunes or misfortunes over the generations. Their lives are played out in an area surrounding an oak tree—how outside influences and human behavior affects the destinies of many. Through a special and rare gift of individuals passed on by the generations, readers will get a remarkable insight into the natural world surrounding a living tree and the many risks faced during its survival. At the same time, we learn what happens to all these people living in the shadow of the great oak. It’s a gift from the ancient mystics, handed down through generations—a strong spiritual belief of the power of life and nature.

About the Author

Born in 1943 in the English village of Thames Ditton, just across the river from Henry VIII’s palace, Gordon Smith has always been interested in history and geography, along with ethnic cultures and customs. After studying chemistry and biology in London before travelling to Europe and working in New Zealand, he became an Australian citizen during the nation’s 200th bicentennial anniversary of 1988. Both he and his wife worked for various government departments before retiring and living in Bangkok for seven years. They travelled extensively through the South East, Far East Asia, and the Americas before settling on the renowned Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.