The Art of the Stonemason (Paperback)

~ (Author) "What is random rubble?..." (more)
Key Phrases: lagging pieces, trammel rod, spandril arch, Iona Abbey, Cutting Stone, Hand Tools (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The author, a fifth-generation master stonemason who has worked on the U.S. Capitol building as well as numerous edifices in his native Scotland, has compiled an impressive guide to both building and restoring stonework. Excellent illustrations, photographs, and a comprehensive text all help explain an extremely complex subject in terms comprehensible to lay readers. Cramb shows how to build numerous structures, including walls, arches, and towers, and how to restore or preserve existing edifices. Other sections describe different types of stones, stonemason's terminology, and tools and their use. This outstanding work will appeal to architects, renovators, and historians as well as anyone interested in how large stone buildings like castles were built. Recommended for academic and public libraries.
- Jonathan Hershey, Akron-Summit Cty. P.L., Ohio
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description

Drawing on five generations of family tradition as stonemasons in his native Scotland, Ian Cramb created this masterful work to pass on his knowledge and experience to craftsmen who wish to learn the ancient, but still necessary, principles of the stonemason's art. Since original publication by Betterway Books in 1992, this book has established itself as an essential learning tool for masons doing new construction and also those engaged in restoration of historic stone structures.
Beginning with a detailed discussion of building with "random rubble", which is the name for the early Celtic art of building with irregular stones bedded on mortar, the author proceeds to more complex projects such as fireplaces, stairs, arches, bridges and more. There is extensive treatment of various restoration techniques involved with historic structures both in the US and Britain, some as old as 1000 years. In additon the author covers various types of stone, stone-cutting, etc. as well as using tradional mortar mixes, which have demonstrated their utility in stone walls and buildings which have lasted for many centuries.
The Art of the Stonemason is profusely illustrated with the author's meticulous line drawings and photographs.
Ian Cramb began his apprenticeship at the age of 14 in Dunblane, Scotland. Surrounded by large estates, farm buildings, a ruined 13th century bishop's palace, two large fifteenth century castles, a Gothic cathedral, and numerous other stone buildings, Dunblane was an apprentice stonemason's paradise. In 1957 Mr. Cramb took over as master stonemason on the restoration of the monastic buildings around the abbey on Iona. He rebuilt the cloisters, restored St. Michael's Chapel, and also restored St. Oran's Chapel in the Cemetary of Kings, built in 1075. In 1959 Mr. Cramb moved to the US where he set stone and marble on the Capitol building, and then he acted as stone and marble mason for the Raeburn Building and World Bank Building in Washington, DC. He now lives in Bangor, Pennsylvania. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 174 pages
• Publisher: Betterway Publications (May 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558702253
• ISBN-13: 978-1558702257
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #598,231 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of the Stonemason, February 4, 2002

By	"r_vanneman" (Fairfax, VA United States) - See all my reviews

Excellent book if you are really intrested in learning the trade! Specifications on building substantial projects, basic principles of stone masonry. Feels like an apprenticeship as you read and study. Unfortunately, no one to ask questions of which you're bound to encounter. Even adds section on cutting stone- the only one I've seen.

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The 6th generation, February 6, 2005

By	Ewan Cramb (Hamilton ,Ohio) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As I am the son of the author,and also the stonemason who's work is featured in some of the pictures in the book ,I have to give the book the highest rating possible.I know my father spent at least 10 years drafting , planning and trying to find a publisher, and now that the book is out of print it is astounding to see how much its value has increased.I have the original drawings my father made (all framed of course) and also the original draft and photos that are featured in the book. I am very proud to have been a small part in what was a very succesful publication.Maybe one day I'll write a sequel !! might call it "the craft of the stonemason",but thats something I'll have to sit down and think about.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stonemasonry, April 14, 2005

By	stormy "stormy" (nebraska) - See all my reviews

I became interested in the art of stone masonry a couple of years ago. This book is by far the most excellent one I have seen, and I have researched back as far as the 1870's. Mr. Cramb is definitely an artisan beyond compare.

If for aesthetic value alone, this book would be worth every penny.