Guided By a Stone-Mason: Exploring the Cathedrals, Abbeys, and Churches of Britain - Couverture souple

Visiting historic buildings is one of Britain's most popular pursuits. Visitors, however, are often frustrated by existing guidebooks, which assume much prior knowledge of architectural history and terms. This book presents a new look at cathedrals, abbeys and churches through the eyes of experienced stonemason, Thomas Maude. He uses historical and technical information, colorful anecdotes and his knowledge of building structures and techniques to convey the excitement which they hold in store. This guidebook presents a comprehensive background to the ecclesiastical architecture of Britain. It assumes no prior knowledge of architectural history and terms, and includes illustrations and anecdotes to make it more accessible to the non-specialist reader.

'An excellent new book... Written by master mason Thomas Maude, it tells you how to zip straight into the world of the masons and carpenters who constructed the building. Most guidebooks are as dry as the bones under the cathedral floor. Not Maude's book. As a master mason, he knows that stones can speak. Better still, he wants us to know what they are saying - His method is simple: follow his guide and you will know the building inside out by the time you leave.' --Giles Milton, Mail on Sunday

'His inside information means he can cast a new light on some very familiar places.' --Independent on Sunday

'A good companion for those who want to understand more about Britain's cathedrals, abbeys and churches.' --Financial Times