Christopher Rush

As you probably know by now, the great Michael Wood and I are practically best friends, though admittedly in a rather tenuous way.  We have never met, but we have exchanged correspondence, and in the 21^st century that’s saying rather a lot.  I am eternally indebted to Class of 2012’s own Mackenzie Carlson for secretly instigating such correspondence, covertly writing to Mr. Wood, ostensibly about my affinity for the man and his work, prompting Mr. Wood to write her back and writing me a hand-written mini-letter with an autographed picture.  Shortly after that, upon conclusion of the “Intro. to Archaeology” elective in 2012-2013 (effectively a Michael Wood elective), I wrote back to Mr. Wood and told him of our successful elective watching many of his series: Legacy, Conquistadors, In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great, In Search of Myths and Heroes, and The Story of England.  My, what good times.

My knowledge of Michael Wood began several years ago when I was given a copy of his book In the Footsteps of Alexander the Great.  A couple of years later, dissatisfied with showing Hallmark’s lengthy version of The Odyssey to 10^th grade, I went searching (if you’ll pardon me) for a more educational, intellectual replacement: by the Providence of God, undoubtedly, I discovered the recently-released on digital video disc series In Search of the Trojan War, Michael Wood’s second-but-career-making series exploring Homer’s poem, world, and, almost as interestingly, the then-skeptical “expert” world of Homeric scholarship in the early 1980s.  As many of you recall, Michael Wood’s top-notch historian/archaeological training (combined with his generous Romanticist tendencies) rejected the naysayers and doubters of the day, willing instead to actually believe what Homer said was true.  Archaeology since his series has indeed proved Michael Wood true, and the doubting “experts” before him false.  As soon as I watched that series for the first time, I knew here was a man whose ideas and works must be heeded and enjoyed, since he clearly wants us to enjoy learning about history and what it means for us today.

I don’t agree with everything Michael Wood ever says, mind you.  The very first sentence of his Legacy: A Search for the Origins of Civilization, for example, is not true.  I doubt he is a born-again Christian, given some of his other conclusions and statements in various books and television series he has done over the years, but that’s no reason to ignore him or revile him.  Some of my other best friends (whom I’ve actually met in real life) aren’t Christians either (though I’m working on it).

The last few years have been very exciting for Michael Wood fans, as a number of his older series have been released on digital video disc and available for the first time in decades.  Art of the Western World, for example, just showed up in time for Intro. to Humanities in 2012.  Just recently, I learned his very first television series, In Search of the Dark Ages, was released on digital video disc in 2015 … but only in Region 2 as of this writing.  Disappointing, indeed.  It is practically enough of a reason to buy a Region 2 digital video disc player, adapter plugs and all.  We can hope his production company Maya Vision International will continue to make his yet-unreleased classic material available to his friends and fans across the pond, as the kids say.  If his Beowulf series, especially, is released, you can be sure that will become a staple of 12^th Grade British Literature.  A great number of his television series and specials have not been released yet, and the man is still working, writing, searching, and making the world a better place for us all.

In the meantime, check out the series already available (though, don’t watch In Search for Shakespeare until we watch it in 12^th grade, please).  Additionally, read his several books, many of which are available in mass market paperback editions:

(If it seems Michael Wood takes any chance he can to visit India, you are correct in your observations.  He has said in multiple places India to him is a second home.  His two daughters are Indian, or, at least, have Indian-like names.)

I have most of his books myself.  I acquired a number of them several years ago in Powell’s City of Books (an experience all book lovers should have at least once) in Portland, Oregon for very reasonable prices.  I even got one in Mermaid Books in Williamsburg — Michael Wood from coast-to-coast.  Finding a Michael Wood book in a used bookstore, like finding a Barbara Tuchman book or Father James V. Schall book, instigates competing reactions within me: robust exultation tempered by irritated incredulity — how could someone get rid of a book by the great Michael Wood?  I then proceed to encourage my soul by convincing myself some other open-hearted generous person, having read it several times, has given it to the bookstore trusting the right person will come along to get it next, namely me.  I haven’t read all of his books yet, but if all goes according to plan, 2016 will be a year in which I get a number of them read.  Look for some reviews next volume.

If I haven’t sold you yet on the quality, depth, and diversity of the intellect and quality of Michael Wood and his work, let him convince you himself.  Get one of his books and read it; watch one (or four) of his series and find yourself learning about important things and enjoying the experience at the same time.  Such is the greatness and wonder and magic of world-renowned author, presenter, historian, medievalist scholar (and my buddy, ish) Michael Wood.