The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming [Paperback]

David Lyle (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 1998

Within the past decade, millions of Americans have discovered the economic benefits and personal pleasures of heating with wood. At the same time, many have discovered that there are serious problems associated with wood heat and iron stoves: chimney fires from creosote, air pollution from poor combustion, and structural fires caused by faulty stove installation. The masonry stove, widely used in Europe and Asia for centuries, surmounts these problems.
Masonry stoves offer good solutions to many of the problems associated with wood burning. They provide clean combustion at a high temperature, good efficiency, a high degree of safety, and little or no pollution. Masonry stoves require little care, needing to be fed only once or twice a day. They come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes from simple to elegant and from austere to gothic. And they are easily adapted to a variety of structures including solar designs.
The Book of Masonry Stoves represents the first comprehensive survey ever published of all the major types of masonry heating systems, ancient and modern. Detailed plans and building information are included in the book. As a complete introduction to masonry stoves, it will help many people rediscover an old way of warming, using masonry stoves.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

David Lyle, one of the best-informed people in the U.S. in the wood heat field, has tested a great variety of stoves during the past 30 years. For several years, he was the national distributor of Lange stoves in the U.S. In addition to his professional work with wood-burning stoves, Mr. Lyle has heated his own home with wood for several decades.
Readers may recognize David Lyle as a former writer for the New York Herald Tribune, and the Associated Press. His articles have also appeared in Esquire, Fine Homebuilding, and other magazines. He lives in Acworth, New Hampshire, where he credits his special knowledge of chimney fires to his experience with the Acworth Volunteer Fire Company.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Chelsea Green (April 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1890132098
• ISBN-13: 978-1890132095
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 11.1 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #107,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Masonry
  • #36 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > How-to & Home Improvements > Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

More About the Author

David Lyle, one of the best-informed people in the U.S. in the wood heat field, has tested a great variety of stoves during the past 30 years. For several years, he was the national distributor of Lange stoves in the U.S. In addition to his professional work with wood-burning stoves, Mr. Lyle has heated his own home with wood for several decades.

Readers may recognize David Lyle as a former writer for the New York Herald Tribune and the Associated Press. His articles have also appeared in Esquire, Fine Homebuilding, and other magazines. He lives in Acworth, New Hampshire, where he credits his special knowledge of chimney fires to his experience with the Acworth Volunteer Fire Company.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

29 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars could have been better....., March 10, 2006

By 

J. Roy "jr" (massachusetts USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming (Paperback)

After reading through this book I was left somewhat disapointed. What is covered in the book is well written, but the publication date was nearly 20 yrs ago, and the book needs updating. More actual pictures of masonry heaters and less old pictures would be helpful. One is better off visiting the masonry heater association
http://www.mha-net.org/ to look at their collection of titles.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Lacking current examples and photos, July 7, 2005

By 

J. Dunn "rangerjane3" (Homer, Alaska USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming (Paperback)

This book has a very deep history of heating with wood and even delves into the history of fire. I too was very disappointed to realize that there were very few photographs. And, equally disappointing was a lack of discussion of modern day masonry stoves. There wasn't even any description or anything about the big beautiful masonry stove that is pictured on the cover.

Its been helpful and informative in that I have now learned just how these stoves work and a bit of how they do not work.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very good - could be better, January 12, 2006

By 

H. Hartley "LA Tech Guy" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Book of Masonry Stoves: Rediscovering an Old Way of Warming (Paperback)

This book is an excellent book from the historical point of view. The book is full of excellent illustrations as well as B&W photogaphs. I do wish their had been better photos as well as some color photos as well. This is a great book and really teaches you the details of the functionality of Masonry Stoves.