David Springett's interest in turning began when he was a woodwork teacher. By reading every one of the few books then available, by practising, experimenting and persevering, he slowly improved his skills. David and his wife Christine successfully ran the British College of Lace, providing lacemaking courses and producing videos and books. They became experts in the identification and classification of nineteenth-century East Midland lace bobbins and their makers. The results of their research provided the basis for their book Success to the Lace Pillow, which is used by auction houses as the authority on this subject. At the end of a working day, spent turning highly decorated lace bobbins in the traditional English style, David would allow himself the relaxation of experimental turning. From this developed his fascination with the apparently impossible and somewhat improbable in turned wood. This led him to the discoveries featured in this book, and in his equally intriguing Adventures in Woodturning. He is on the Register of Professional Turners maintained by the Worshipful Company of Turners of London. David Springett is the author of Adventures in Woodturning, Turning Lace Bobbins, and Woodturning Trickery.