Monumental: A Stonemason's Tale
Monumental: A Stonemason's Tale follows stonemason and conservator Simon Warrack through landmark preservation work across several countries. It focuses on the craft, materials, and cultural meaning behind conserving historic buildings and monuments.
At a glance
- Simon Warrack's account draws on more than forty years of stonemasonry and conservation work, according to the listing.
- Sites discussed include Angkor Wat, Canterbury Cathedral, Venice's churches and palaces, Rome's fountains, and the Obelisk of Axum.
- The book describes working with marble, granite, limestone, sandstone, and travertine, alongside traditional tools and techniques.
Reference price: $31.99
Price checked: Nov 14, 2026
View offerAhead of Black FridayExplore the selectionPros and cons
Pros
- Combines travel across notable historic sites with practical accounts of stonework and conservation.
- The cross-cultural perspective connects preservation practices with the histories and beliefs associated with monuments.
- Its focus on specific stones, tools, and techniques offers more craft detail than a general architectural overview.
Technical specifications
9 specifications| Publisher | W. W. Norton & Company |
|---|---|
| Publication date | September 8, 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 368 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 1324075988 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-1324075981 |
| Weight listed | 1.25 pounds |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6.2 x 1.2 x 9.4 inches |
| Line images | 15 line images |
|---|
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in historic architecture, architectural preservation, or traditional stoneworking.
- Travel and history readers drawn to monuments across Europe, Asia, and Africa.
- Readers looking for a first-person account of conservation work and the craft behind it.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a technical conservation manual with detailed step-by-step instructions, which the listing does not establish.
- Readers who prefer books centered on modern architecture rather than historic monuments.
Customer reviews on Amazon
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The available ratings are uniformly positive, but the sample is only two ratings and no written customer feedback is supplied. That is too little evidence to identify specific strengths or concerns about the book.
Frequently asked questions
What is Monumental: A Stonemason's Tale about?
It follows stonemason and conservator Simon Warrack's work at historic sites and discusses stone materials, tools, techniques, and the meaning of preserving monuments.
Which landmarks are mentioned?
The listing names Angkor Wat, Canterbury Cathedral, sites in Venice and Rome, and the Obelisk of Axum.
How long is the book?
The listed print length is 368 pages.
How many illustrations are listed?
The listing specifies 15 line images.
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