The houses described in this book are mainly in Ontario, Canada, with a sprinkling from Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and New England. So they're very old houses from the perspective of places further west, say, Manitoba, Wisconsin, Kansas or Nevada.

Most date from the mid-19th Century, well before building codes existed, and a few date from the 18th Century. Of course, there are special problems in restoring one of these houses.

So this book tells where to find the right resources in hardware, masonry, paint, plumbing, wood, wallpaper and plaster ornamentation. It also lists places to find special tools, schools and workshops, magazines and books. And it tells you how to research, plan and do the restoration of the structure, the exterior and mechanical systems of these old houses. It uses well-chosen photos and drawings to explain things.

I was looking for a book that got into real details on how stone was quarried as well as on real construction techniques. My interest in in local buildings from the 1800's in the eastern US/Canada area.

For me I find more value in books from Charles McRaven. And am still looking for a good book on historic techniques on quarrying, working with & building with stone.

No need to waste your hard earned $$ on this one.

Although this is a nice picture book, it doesn't really deal with the restoration of stone houses per-se. Some info. on interior restoration which applies equally well to frame houses, some sketchy information on general building with masonry. HOWEVER, if you're specifically looking for a reference on repairs/restoration of structural stone/brick problems, look elsewhere. I've got a stone/brick house with bowed walls, collapsed foundation, collapsed arches above windows, etc., and none of these items was touched upon in the remotest fashion.

If you're searching for something similar to what I'm looking for, look elsewhere. If you find something good, LET ME KNOW!!!

This book has one of the most thorough treatments of masonry techniques I've encountered. It covers subjects for which information often proves difficult to find, e.g. restoration of antique stone fireplaces. It has lots of detail yet covers a wide range of pertinent subjects. All this and the author has a readable style and interesting stories. I would enjoy meeting these people.