Ben Witherington posted the photo below of Tom Wright’s desk and given our recent “Desk Top Challenge” I thought it was appropriate to post the photo. I notice that it isn’t quite as neat as his official “Bishop” photo however, it shows him hard at work, albeit using a PC!
Ben Witherington's Photo of N.T. Wright's Office
What I would like to draw your attention to however, is the revolving book stand on his desk. I first saw this master invention in a documentary (sitting on someone’s desk). I telephoned the particular person and discovered that they had purchased the item from the United States. They gave me the website and I promptly looked it up. It costs $600 US!!! I couldn’t beleive it. My hopes were dashed. The bookstand was originally designed for Thomas Jefferson and is availble from the Monticello website. It is perfect, and beauitful and way out of my price range! Anyway, here is what the book holder looks like brand new.
June 2, 2009 at 2:14 pm |
That is very cool. Perhaps you can find a skilled woodworker who could make you one for a lot cheaper.
June 2, 2009 at 2:56 pm |
Wow, what a brilliant invention. Makes me wish I’d paid more attention during woodwork classes at school…
June 2, 2009 at 4:52 pm |
Brian, I thought of that, and am not adverse to it, but finding the space is another issue all together! One day some kind sole will build it for me I am sure. One thing is certain, I could never build it. Like Ben, I didn’t pay much attention during woodworking class!
LOL! Ben, you might know the person whose desk I saw it upon; John Dickson from the centre for Public Christianity. It was on an episode of Compass.
June 3, 2009 at 4:08 am |
You’re right–that IS revolting!
June 4, 2009 at 8:23 am |
Este, I see you have taken Steph’s role while she is swimming to England!
June 10, 2009 at 11:20 pm
Why, of course! Nothing gives me greater pleasure than to fill in for Steph while she travels, and generally be her sidekick. Besides, I’m not the only one around here who share her disdain for Wrightianity.
Meanwhile, this picture was making the rounds a while back, and as I recall, what got Jim’s attention wasn’t the rotating book stand, but the angled shelf on the foreground. He even had someone make one for him!
As for the rotating book stand concept, I doubt very much that the first one ever was the one designed for Jefferson: from time immemorial, any self-respecting Orthodox temple has a rotating book stand for their cantors!
June 3, 2009 at 8:43 am |
Doesn’t seem all that practical to be honest. I much prefer the book stand on your desk.
June 3, 2009 at 10:23 am |
Nick, fair point however, it would be a godsend when completing exegetical papers. To have open 5 or so books at one time would be a huge plus!
June 3, 2009 at 1:42 pm |
Mark: I hear you, but how many books do you own that would actually stay open?!! Besides my Hebrew and Greek Bibles from the German Bible Society and some other (bonded) leather Bibles, I can’t think of any books, hardcover or paperback, that would just lay there wide open to read with no help.
June 3, 2009 at 1:46 pm |
That is a good point. I would have it modified to include something that kept the pages opened. Then again, I might just stick with what I have.
June 3, 2009 at 10:58 pm |
I need to get something like what you have. As it stands I have no room on my desk to lay any books out flat; I have to open them on my lap!
June 4, 2009 at 8:24 am |
Nick, sorry to be so practical, but I have seen your desk and am wondering where the heck you would put a bookstand? There is junk everywhere!
July 2, 2009 at 7:12 am |
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