John Blackwood, who died in 2015, worked in mechanical engineering design for nearly 30 years and was inspired by Lawrence Edwards' work with plant geometry. He became a teacher at the Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School in Sydney, Australia. There he designed a maths course for Classes 11 and 12 which was accepted by the school board of New South Wales. He lived in Sydney and was also the author of Geometry in Nature (Floris Books).

'The book is a fine example of how a teacher can stimulate interest in his pupils. It is clear that [the children] have much enjoyed what they have learnt.'Ron Jarman, Archetype: Science Group of the Anthroposophical Society in Great Britain newsletter, March 2006'A treasure trove of ideas for class teachers with additional tasks for gifted students. Impressive presentation...which can inspire experienced and new teachers alike.'-- Hella Kettnaker, Erziehungskunst, June 2007'This is an exciting and unusual book...There are explorations of art, culture, nature, accurate drawing and model making with a wide range of photographs and diagrams. This book is written for the teacher to use with 13/14 year olds and is more of an exploration than a manual but many non-specialists would enjoy this book as well.'-- Education Otherwise, Feb 2007