The Sourcebook of Decorative Stone: An Illustrated Identification Guide
[starred review] In calling this a sourcebook for decorative stone, the author ... is being too modest. [Monica] Price's contribution to this very ancient practice is priceless, a true treasure reference for architects, designers, artists, and any layperson who appreciates the multitude of looks possible with quarried stone. (Barbara JacobsBooklist2007-12-01)Allows readers to explore more than 300 varieties of this natural material. Geologist Monica Price wrote the comprehensive book, which features an in-depth history of many types of stone. (Rochelle BelsitoPhoenix Home & Garden2008-09-01)The stories about the histories and uses of each treasure -- well-known or rare .... make the book enjoyable. (Deborah DonovanArlington Heights Daily Herald2007-11-25)An excellent reference guide ... Most valuable to those already versed in the geological properties or "families" of the stones. The illustrations are glossy, full color, and of very high resolution. As a sourcebook for architects or commercial geologists, this work is a good reference tool.  Summing Up: Recommended. Professionals/practitioners, upper-level undergraduates, graduate students, and general readers. (E.A. Scarletto, Kent State UniversityChoice2008-02-01)This extremely well-researched volume displays a wealth of knowledge on every aspect one could hope to know about each type of stone. A useful research tool and, therefore, a worthy library purchase. (Martin ChasinLibrary Journal2008-02-15)Sweeping, authoritative ... a valuable resource book. (Architectural West2007-10-00)Part geological primer and part lush picture book.. The photographs are well reproduced, the design efficient and clean, and the cloth binding solid enough to withstand serious use... This book is a good reference volume as well as an interesting and attractive entertainment. (R. K. DicksonAmerican Reference Books Annual 20082008-01-00)Comprehensive... Price brings a particular vigor to the topic, and the stones she presents are made richer by her inclusion of copious contextual information. (Kitchen and Bath Design News2007-10-00)[A] sweeping, authoritative reference. (Stone World2007-10-00)This book presents in-depth information about more than 300 natural stones... Color photographs throughout the book further understanding. (Eco-Structure (Chicago)2008-04-01)Monica T. Price has done the Earth science collector community a wonderful service.... The table of contents, with its small picture of each stone, and the very complete index make this a handy book for identification and reference.... [Price] helps the reader navigate through the morass of stone names used in antiquity and those in current trade listings... The scientific geological description given with each stone is very useful... In summary, this book is current with results of the latest research...and it is organized to be useful to the Earth science amateur and professional alike.... I highly recommend the book for Earth scientists, architects, marble and granite dealers, antique and building restorers, and archaeologists. Also, anyone with a passing interest in the use of decorative stone will find it a very readable and appropriate identification guide. (Daniel Hall, geologistRocks & Minerals Journal2008-07-00)Other art books will give you more large photos of stone-embellished cathedrals and palaces, but no book I know of will teach you more about how these cultural treasures came to be: the raw materials, their sources and working techniques, history and lore, and how building and decorating with stone flourished and waned, but now enjoys a bit of a rebirth, via the use of polished stone slabs in home kitchens and bathrooms. Perhaps now as societies go green and examine the carbon footprint of all our building materials, the time is right for a return to building with beautiful stone, inside and out! If so, this is the guidebook we need. (Robert CrabillMineralog2008-07-01)