Practical Stone Masonry is the first major book in nearly seventy years on the craft of the stonemason. Today the work of the stonemason is almost exclusively confined to the repair of historic buildings, requiring a full working knowledge of the detailed traditional craft practices relating to repairs. This book addresses that need. It covers the basic methods of working stone, the making of specialized tools, and, for the first time, a full analysis of the procedures for setting-out for repairs. A broad description of the nature and problems of stone also includes guidance on selection. In addition, the authors look at the causes of decay in stone and outline methods for repair of both stone and mortar. "Practical Stone Masonry" contains essential advice for working masons and apprentices, and all those engaged in planning and supervising such works. It includes: the basic methods of working stone; how to make specialized tools; the procedures for setting-out for repairs explained; and, the nature and problems of stone plus a guide to selection.

Regarded by many as the stonemason's bible, Practical Masonry has for many years been one of the best technical stone masonry books available for both apprentices and experienced masons. Originally written in 1896 and published by Crosby Lockwood & Son of London, it met with great acclaim and the correspondence received by the author was that of thanks and praise at such a well written and concise technical book. Following the constructive feedback W R Purchase wrote a second edition in which he included three more chapters: Roman and Grecian moldings (both illustrative) and a glossary of terms. This work was then followed by further editions and by 1904 when the fifth edition was published Purchase had added further chapters including: Masonry Estimating and Quantity Surveying; Building Stones, marble and granite (including detailed lists of specific stones available) and finally Tables of Diameters, Circumferences and Areas of circles. As with many technical books that go out of print it became more difficult for people to purchase this book as the years passed. This latest edition published by Donhead Publishing will ensure that the work of W R Purchase can again reach and assist all those who study or are involved with this ancient craft.

Author Ian Cramb was a fifth-generation stonemason who relied on traditional methods to create and restore beautiful stone structures. In this do-it-yourself manual for homeowners, masonry contractors, and restoration specialists, Cramb drew on his fifty years of life experience in the craft to cover restoration techniques for historic structures in the U.S. and Britain. The book covers various types of stone, stone-cutting, and traditional mortar mixes for walls, foundations, and buildings.

Whether you are an artisan, an architect or a homeowner, The Stone Restoration Handbook demonstrates the best approach and techniques to use when preserving and repairing historic buildings. It introduces the materials and the processes, and explains the proven methods to conserve, repair and restore stone, masonry, statuary and monuments. This new book is packed with illustrations, examples and advice on stone selection and working, lime and mortars, pointing, cleaning and repairing mortar and stone. It guides you through assessing the job on the first site visit through to discussing the options and difficulties you can face. This is essential reading for those who care for and repair historic buildings and monuments. Contents include: surveying for a conservation report; setting up workshop and tools; stone selection and working; lime and mortars; pointing; repairing mortar and stone; cleaning; consolidation; casting and scagliola. Superbly illustrated with 564 colour photographs.