It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

Lack of content, 04 Jun 2007
I bought this book to help me understand more about plastering when I was doing my kitchen up.
When it arrived I was really disapointed at how light the content was on this part of the subject. (I think it's hard backed to stop it looking like pamphlet)
This book covers much more on masonary (but not alot)and gives many more application examples. So buy it for masonary projects but not for plastering.
I'm sure there must be better books with much more project content that might just give you enough confidence to have a go.

Useful introduction, 20 Mar 2006
You wont become an expert, but you will get a good intro to plastering

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

Lack of content, 04 Jun 2007
I bought this book to help me understand more about plastering when I was doing my kitchen up.
When it arrived I was really disapointed at how light the content was on this part of the subject. (I think it's hard backed to stop it looking like pamphlet)
This book covers much more on masonary (but not alot)and gives many more application examples. So buy it for masonary projects but not for plastering.
I'm sure there must be better books with much more project content that might just give you enough confidence to have a go.

Useful introduction, 20 Mar 2006
You wont become an expert, but you will get a good intro to plastering

Excellent Book, 16 Jul 2008
This is an extremely useful and well-researched practical guide. Would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing any lime plastering/rendering - and this from a plasterer with 20 years' experience! Paul Fitzpatrick

Great detail and explanations from experienced practitioners, 06 Jun 2008
I found this book very useful in that it explains the processes involved and in great detail helping you understand what is happening on your wall. The illustrated techniques are also useful although don't replace good quality training. Some tools and techniques photos are not great. The range of plasters and renders covered is excellent and gives you lots of ideas. Overall, a great reference book that will help you one your way even if only to understand the language, tools and techniques enough to employ a contractor doing this type of work.

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

Lack of content, 04 Jun 2007
I bought this book to help me understand more about plastering when I was doing my kitchen up.
When it arrived I was really disapointed at how light the content was on this part of the subject. (I think it's hard backed to stop it looking like pamphlet)
This book covers much more on masonary (but not alot)and gives many more application examples. So buy it for masonary projects but not for plastering.
I'm sure there must be better books with much more project content that might just give you enough confidence to have a go.

Useful introduction, 20 Mar 2006
You wont become an expert, but you will get a good intro to plastering

Excellent Book, 16 Jul 2008
This is an extremely useful and well-researched practical guide. Would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing any lime plastering/rendering - and this from a plasterer with 20 years' experience! Paul Fitzpatrick

Great detail and explanations from experienced practitioners, 06 Jun 2008
I found this book very useful in that it explains the processes involved and in great detail helping you understand what is happening on your wall. The illustrated techniques are also useful although don't replace good quality training. Some tools and techniques photos are not great. The range of plasters and renders covered is excellent and gives you lots of ideas. Overall, a great reference book that will help you one your way even if only to understand the language, tools and techniques enough to employ a contractor doing this type of work.

Save your money, 12 Mar 2008
This book claims to give advice on laying out and setting out which is what I particularly needed and was very disappointed by the lack of coverge despite it being advertised in the book

Professional techniques revealed to the serious DIY enthusiast, 12 Jan 2008
A very informative bk with good photos and advice. Yes there are 'Americanisms' in it but the whole English-speaking world does not speak only British English, right!
I've learnt a lot from this book and I would recommend it to anybody wanting to learn about tiling techniques in a variety of settings. Some of the projects though are based on American construction techniques that differ from the Uk

Tiling (For Pros, by Pros), 06 Dec 2006
This book although good is very US based. Its product info., terminology and stockists suggestions all have a US twinge to them. I am sure the basic tiling procedures are the same in the UK as they are in the US but the Americanisms sometimes do not transfer the POND in the same way!

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

Lack of content, 04 Jun 2007
I bought this book to help me understand more about plastering when I was doing my kitchen up.
When it arrived I was really disapointed at how light the content was on this part of the subject. (I think it's hard backed to stop it looking like pamphlet)
This book covers much more on masonary (but not alot)and gives many more application examples. So buy it for masonary projects but not for plastering.
I'm sure there must be better books with much more project content that might just give you enough confidence to have a go.

Useful introduction, 20 Mar 2006
You wont become an expert, but you will get a good intro to plastering

Excellent Book, 16 Jul 2008
This is an extremely useful and well-researched practical guide. Would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing any lime plastering/rendering - and this from a plasterer with 20 years' experience! Paul Fitzpatrick

Great detail and explanations from experienced practitioners, 06 Jun 2008
I found this book very useful in that it explains the processes involved and in great detail helping you understand what is happening on your wall. The illustrated techniques are also useful although don't replace good quality training. Some tools and techniques photos are not great. The range of plasters and renders covered is excellent and gives you lots of ideas. Overall, a great reference book that will help you one your way even if only to understand the language, tools and techniques enough to employ a contractor doing this type of work.

Save your money, 12 Mar 2008
This book claims to give advice on laying out and setting out which is what I particularly needed and was very disappointed by the lack of coverge despite it being advertised in the book

Professional techniques revealed to the serious DIY enthusiast, 12 Jan 2008
A very informative bk with good photos and advice. Yes there are 'Americanisms' in it but the whole English-speaking world does not speak only British English, right!
I've learnt a lot from this book and I would recommend it to anybody wanting to learn about tiling techniques in a variety of settings. Some of the projects though are based on American construction techniques that differ from the Uk

Tiling (For Pros, by Pros), 06 Dec 2006
This book although good is very US based. Its product info., terminology and stockists suggestions all have a US twinge to them. I am sure the basic tiling procedures are the same in the UK as they are in the US but the Americanisms sometimes do not transfer the POND in the same way!

This book promoted many a daydream..., 07 Apr 1999
In pursuit of my pipe dream of building a stone house, I picked up this book. Dangerously, it fed into my (previously-thought) unrealistic plans. The book is well-balanced between science and art; it doesn't stray too far from the "how-to," or science of building a stone house, but it does provide a good measure of humor & pictures. It's quite readable and supportive of the whole daydreaming process, but I get the feeling that if I ever get around to building the stone house, it would also be an excellent reference.

Truly a "do it yourself" guide to building with stone., 28 Dec 1998
I bought this book because of the author's review -- he described wanting to build a house from stone the easiest and cheapest way possible. He and his wife did the homework to learn how to do it -- first by research, then by doing -- so I bought the book, hoping it would give my family the information we needed to get started on our rock house. It did. The book provides easy to read narrative that takes you through each step of the process. It tells you what supplies you need, how to pick a site, how to pick the best stones, where to find stones, and what hardships you will encounter while working. It also explains away the mysteries of stone building and provides techniques for handling details such as windows and doors. The best thing the book gave us was the confidence to get started on our project to build our rock house. We had talked about it for months. Now, since we've read this book, we've cleared our site and have started our first wall!

It's American, 07 Dec 2007
I am a builder and bought this book to help imporve my brickwork and blockwork skills. It did not. It is American and does not 'translate well'.

Ok with Fosters Lager, 23 Oct 2007
There's a lot in this book and the author obviously knows his trade but he's Australian. I purchased this book for the concrete block section in readiness for my garage build. In this respect the book is useless and discusses non UK block sizes. I agree with the first review here, if in the UK look elsewhere.

bricklayer 5yrs, 31 Dec 2005
Reading this book taught me loads, while learning bricklaying it seemed like nobody wants to show you anything.Reading this book cover to cover gave me the edge in this highly competitive trade.

Great book for the novice or the experienced., 26 Mar 2005
I have been a bricklayer for 18 years and thought that there was little that I did not know how to do. This book is very clear and easy to follow and even with my experience I found that I learned a thing or two. It is well illustrated and the text is clear and straightforward, I now recommended it to my apprentices.

Bricklaying, 25 Jan 2003
This book was written by an Australian and it shows! The text is concise and potentially hard to follow as a result of its brevity although there are many clear diagrams. Many of the techniques covered are not really relevent to UK building practices eg pipework in cavity walls, and dimensions are imperial and may not correspond to UK material sizes.

The easy going style of the author is refreshing and the long section of BBQ designs was all too predictable, cobbers!

Excellent primer & reference work on bricklaying, 30 Oct 2001
A hundred questions that you needed to know about bricklaying answered and a thousand you didn't even know could be asked.
This was set course reading for all bricklaying apprentices very detailed and very practical.
Probably the best book that you could get if you want a good start & reference work on the topic.

A good Starter Guide, 21 Jan 2008
Very good book with basic techniques. The drawings could have been a bit better, but the content is sound. I have been working in conservation for 18 years and see this book as an excellent starter guide.

This is a good book!!, 21 Jan 2008
The last reviewer gave this book a fairly drab showing, but it does not in any way deserve this. I am a master craftsman stone mason and I have also been dry stone walling for over 32 years in Scotland and Wales. OK, the cover photo is a bit dreary, but you should not judge a book by its cover. I have read this book from front to back and have found it an ideal guide for my budding dry stone wallers. It is a beginners guide, when all said and done. The techniques are very sound in my opinion and would advise anyone who is thinking about starting this type of work to buy it.

this book is a waste of paper, 11 Jan 2008
DRY STONE WALLING


Andy Radford

The Crowood Press
128 Pages
Black and white photos and line diagrams.
2001, First Edition.

Andy Radford, is a journalist and sometime photographer, now author of a number of books relating to practical work in the countryside. Based in North Wales at the time of writing this, his first book he also ran a landscape business.
This practical guide to walling starts with a bit of background on walling history and the terminology associated with walling, tools etc., including an excessive description on the construction oif a batter frame. It then deals with various aspects of walling through "projects" the author has worked on. The longest section is "Basic Walling Technique", but we are also taken through walling on slopes, curves, retaining walls a inter alia. The text generally says the right things although you get the feeling that you've heard it all before. Occasionally it is a little naive or misleading for the uninitiated `most stone will easily dress`, sometimes plain daft suggesting that you will save stone by building a corner rather than a curve somehow defying the laws of physics.

Then there's the photos... It takes a brave man (or a fool) to admit to having had anything to do with the cover let alone attaching the idea that it is `practical and attractive`. Another one where the waller is shown `tying the wall into the existing structure` (having noted that elsewhere the wall should be dismantled to a sound structure or some such) had me a little flabbergasted. Then there's `levelling the wall ready for the through-band` pride of place centre shot is a face stone not only "traced" but stood on edge, I've just about recovered from the hysterics. These photos and others definitely give the impression that the writer doesn't really know what he's talking about.

Presumably aimed at those with a bit of wall to do in their garden it is likely to be of limited use, for others even more so. The only apparently original text relates to walling on slopes. I found this particularly confusing so you'll pardon me for questioning how well others would understand it. It also has some ideas with the uses of batter frames on slopes which for a variety of technical reasons would either not work or would be pointless. Perhaps interestingly this section is not based on a project. It smacks of being an academic idea never really executed in practice. But then judging from the photos it might be that the author has tried it and just not appreciated that it doesn't actually work.

There is a short section on "variations on the craft" which bears striking resemblance to the content of a number of DSWA leaflets, and other publications. You cannot copyright dry stone walling per se, it would be possible to sit down and write a book from scratch and not say anything that had not been previously printed. However what disturbs me most about this book in this respect is that it hasn't even got a bibliography and does not even pay lip service to other's endeavours. Does the author really expect us to believe that he's never read another walling book or done any research. Mind you if it wasn't for the striking similarity of diagrams and some text/format, perhaps I would actually believe him.

You might have heard of the metaphor of dwarves standing on the shoulders of giants used by Newton amongst others, to refer to having great insights as a result of the work of others, not necessarily a bad thing if you are breaking new ground. However I feel here Nietzsche`s interpretation is more apposite he argues "that a dwarf (the academic scholar) brings even the most sublime heights down to his level of understanding" (wikipedia).

Perhaps alarmingly as I wrote this review I discovered the author had just written a book on "Building Natural Stone Garden Features". Unfortunately as I aim to own a copy of every work published on the craft I will have to get a copy, I shall just wait for it to be remaindered. Unless you want a really good laugh and have plenty of spare cash take a very experienced DSWA advanced dry stone wallers advice, found on line: "On no account get Andy Radford`s book .... the worst book on walling ever. Just don`t encourage him, OK!"


A Guide to Dry Stone Walling, 11 Mar 2007
Another good book by this author. Very absorbing a thorough walling guide. Usually I find it hard to follow instructions but this in written in such a way that makes it fairly easy to follow.

Great book but American!, 26 Jun 2008
You will certainly enjoy reading this book and will also learn a lot from it. It doesn't cover building techniques in detail though. The author is an enthusiastic builder who loves natural stone and shares all his techniques by telling his experiences in the past just like a story. I totally love it as it is so easy to read. You get to learn how he builds the house and how one should build it too from scratch - clearly and precisely. Since started to read this book I have become a stone hunter-gatherer! Wherever I go I look at stones to judge their shape and usability,etc. It is amazing how much you get inspired by this book! The only downfall is it doesn't cover our wonderful British stone houses and building techniques :(

Excellent, 25 Apr 2004
I have just bought a very old near-ruinous stone house in Italy with theidea that I can fix it myself -- so I am a complete novice so far as stonemasonry techniques are concerned. I found this book excellent: Mr McRavenmust be pretty old by now (he says he started building with stone in the1940s)but that gives his work even greater authority & authenticity. Itis easy to read, lots of B&W photos and lots of little hand-drawn diagramsalongside the text. Clearly written, he teaches traditional methods, andencourages great patiences while your mortar dries, you choose the rightstone etc. If you are an expert this is probably not the book for you. If you are wanting practical help & guidance this is an excellent book tostart with.

Introduction to Traditional Stone Masonry, 12 Mar 1998
This is an excellent first book for those who want to learn about building with stone as an old-world craftsman, rather than a money-hungry contractor or assembly-line modern mason. Charles McRaven does not fill his book with theory, but with practical methods and ideas which are true to proper masonry techniques but allow even the most novice to begin to lay stone right away. The anecdotal style of this book makes it an easy read, and inspires confidence to pick up that trowel for the first time!

Lack of content, 04 Jun 2007
I bought this book to help me understand more about plastering when I was doing my kitchen up.
When it arrived I was really disapointed at how light the content was on this part of the subject. (I think it's hard backed to stop it looking like pamphlet)
This book covers much more on masonary (but not alot)and gives many more application examples. So buy it for masonary projects but not for plastering.
I'm sure there must be better books with much more project content that might just give you enough confidence to have a go.

Useful introduction, 20 Mar 2006
You wont become an expert, but you will get a good intro to plastering

Excellent Book, 16 Jul 2008
This is an extremely useful and well-researched practical guide. Would recommend it to anyone thinking of doing any lime plastering/rendering - and this from a plasterer with 20 years' experience! Paul Fitzpatrick

Great detail and explanations from experienced practitioners, 06 Jun 2008
I found this book very useful in that it explains the processes involved and in great detail helping you understand what is happening on your wall. The illustrated techniques