The Stonebuilder's Primer: A Step-By-Step Guide for Owner-Builders

Good Condition!

Building with stones, whether a wall or a building, is an ancient skill. This is a good overview as well as a detailed construction guide. I may not go out and build a sizeable stone wall any time soon, but the information was very interesting and filled a niche in my knowledge that was missing. Well written in a to the point but casual manner that is enjoyable to read. This book will have a permanent place in my library.

I rarely write a review despite the fact that I read so many books, but felt this one deserved special attention. I am looking to build a log home in Southeast Alaska and wanted to have a nice rock wall foundation and a spectacular fireplace. After reading this book I am confident that I can do most of the work myself (except the footing for the foundation) and feel confident that it will look totally professional (and be bomb proof). The book is well written, very readable, has good photos, and is probably the only book you will need to do any and all stone work. It is not a book on slip form and it is not a coffee table book - it is for building in stone.

Easy read and interesting would like a few more progress pictures and end results

I bought this book to build my own walls and fences the old school way. Back when life was more natural and asthetically pleasing to the eyes. A lot of great information if you want to divert from the cookie cutter Portland cement and cinder block type of walls and fences. Absolutely beautiful book with info to make your home more beautiful. Very pleased

I like the book a lot. If you are interested in masonry, this is a good book. The author describes in detail for all to understand. I also like his witty sense of humor. It makes for an enjoyable, informative read with ample photographs and illustrations.

It is well written and has given me the information I was seeking.

Bought this book on all the reviews, and because I am VERY interested in building my own stone house. I'm more into building a passive solar structure, but none the less I need a good knowledge on building with stone to get where I want to be. This book is written for pretty much anyone to understand. The main concepts are taken pretty easily. Everything from the arches, to windows and your foundation are great fundamental items to read about. Where I found the book really lacking is the Roof. Certain words were used such as "gable", which are not shown in any of his diagrams. Every time roofing components were mentioned I had to source other materials for a clearer understanding. The basis of the stone it self, this book does a fairly good job, different ideas and perspective better yet for each part. Good Read, useful, just not Incredible. Im college educated and crave something a little more sophisticated so thats why the 3 stars. If you want a simple read with basic concepts, this book is for you!

This book was not bought for it's lavish pictures or it's beauty (it's printed on regular paper, in black and white). It was bought because it held important information, which has unfortunately been increasingly hard to obtain over the years, as the knowledge slowly was lost as masters grow old and eventually die. Charles Long explain things should be simple and accessible, and this is what this book is. He accompanies you through the process of thinking about your house, setting it's foundations, making sure you meet code and safety issues,then gets you going until completion. Minimal tools are required to get you from start to finish, but hand tools and their electrical variety are both discussed. My personal goal is to eventually build stone structures, but even beautiful stone walls for the outside of a straw bale house. This book empowered me to plan this out as a serious adventure that I could take on myself, and not pay a fortune for someone else to do for me, because more than just a book on how to lay stones and mix mortar, this one is about the building of a home.

Ok

I found this to be a wonderful book, written with lots of enthusiasm, and with great attention to detail. It is obvious (not only from the nice photos) that the author and his wife has really gone through the effort of building a stone house. I will not attempt a project of that size, but the book has certainly inspired me to other, smaller stone building projects.

Great references book for newbies and professionals

this book certainly demystifies the whole concept of stone building, which is very refreshing indeed. I plan, one day, to build my own stone house as well. with a certain knowledge of stone carving, you could make your house look like a temple.