My Grandfather’s Book
Why You Should Have Your Legacy Book Written – And How to Actually Publish Your Book
My grandfather was an architect, not just any architect, but a great one. He didn’t just build houses; he led the construction of vast, complex projects, from the factories that refined copper and mined materials, to the full-scale development of towns and cities, complete with homes, schools, hospitals, and playgrounds. He had a brilliant mind and it was not uncommon for the government to consult him on the strategic significance of national infrastructure projects.
As a child, I vividly remember seeing him on national television, being interviewed about the major projects he was leading.
But architecture wasn’t his only passion. He was also deeply fascinated by history, particularly ancient history and early civilizations. He loved philosophy and the constant exploration of the meaning of life. He passionatly passed down his love for history to me.
Even when he retired he was always worked at home. I remember him surrounded by neatly stacked drawing paper, perfectly sharpened pencils, rulers, and A4 notebooks with Case numbers written all over them. When he wasn’t drawing, he was writing. He spent countless hours researching and documenting the links between ancient civilizations and their global socio-economic impact. He was especially interested in connecting historical events across timelines and cultures, drawing conclusions about the lessons they provided for modern society.
He encouraged me to travel, and more importantly, to write. “Record what you discover,” he’d say, “but also research what was happening elsewhere in the world at the same time.” He wanted me to see history as relevant and relatable.
When I moved to London, he wrote me letters often. In them, he’d often quote from history trying to relate to the everyday life I was living. He enjoyed quoting his favourite philosophers. Marcus Aurelius was a recurring name; he admired him deeply “a man of peace who spent most of his life on battlefields defending it,” he’d say.
My own passion for ancient history and philosophical inquiry is his legacy no question.
One of my favourite rituals when I return home to Tbilisi is to open the middle drawers of a beautifully carved antique wooden cabinet in our living room. Inside are the neatly preserved notebooks and papers my grandfather left behind.
He didn’t just write about history. He drew up visionary infrastructure projects—ideas he believed would transform our nation’s political, social, and economic future. Sadly, in his later years, the country he served so faithfully was in crisis. The political and economic instability of the 1990s meant his efforts often fell on deaf ears.
He would often tell me, times change who knows one day you’ll publish manuscripts and they can be of service.
He understood, like all great minds what his knowledge, and he’d discovered about life.
I remember him tapping his head and saying, “Where will all this knowledge go when I’m no longer here?” To preserve it, he wrote it all down—ideas, experiences, philosophies, and plans. But he never published those writings. I believe he didn’t because publishing then wasn’t as accessible as it is today.
I have no doubt that if he lived current times he would have published his manuscripts as memoirs or legacy books.
Things have changed for writers like you, even if you do not consider yourself to be a writer.
Ready to Publish Your Legacy Book? Here’s How.
Publishing a book today has never been more accessible.
You can choose to write and publish it entirely on your own—or you can bring in professional help to ensure your story is compelling to read, written with clarity, and has the impact it deserves.
If you have an idea, a collection of notes, a manuscript draft—or even just the sense that your story matters let’s talk.
I offer tailored, hands-on support at every stage of the publishing process. Whether you need:
Help shaping your story from rough notes or memories
Experienced writer to translate your ideas into a compelling narrative
Book editing and structure to bring clarity and flow
Interior layout and book cover design
Or simply someone to take your ready-to-print manuscript and turn it into a beautifully finished published book I can help.
I work with only a handful of writers each year. This ensures every book project receives the focus, depth, and personal attention it deserves not just a generic publishing package.
Call /text me today to discuss your book project.
Let’s bring your story into the world beautifully written, professionally published, and share it to the world.
Click here to learn more about me and the books I’ve helped bring to life.
Tamara Forrest-Smith
