In addition the author is Australian and many of the terms used are not US specific. No attempt is made to explain many of the techniques

Go for a time life book, or the following used text "AUDEL'S MASONS AND BUILDERS LIBRARY," by Louis Dezettel (look for volume 2 bricklaying, plastering...) is exceptionally written in regards to detail and very easy to understand.

9 of 10 found the following review helpful:


Bricklaying  Dec 19, 2003
A disapointment. Confusing, full of obscure terms and "inside" tips that are useless to the do-it-yourselfer. Seems like a book written by an expert for other experts. After purchasing this book I picked up a used Time-Life book on masonary that had more good info in 10 pages than this 320 page turkey.

8 of 9 found the following review helpful:


Comprehensive and easy to understand  Jan 31, 2003
Buy this book first! Whether you plan on laying up brick and block yourself, or you want to prepare yourself to deal with a masonry contractor or a property built with masonry, this book is for you. The writing is clear and to the point, and the illustrations are first-rate. I especially liked the author's insights and tips that can only come from someone with A LOT of practical experience. Most other books I've seen deal with garden walls and pathways. Not this one. Structural walls, windows, doorways...it's all here. You may want other supplemental material, but start with this book first. Price is right, too

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:


To the point with lots of info  Jan 09, 2007 By Jason Lajoie "journeyman"
Some reviews claim this isn't a book for a 'do-it-yourselfer'. This may be true if your abilities to think and to build are of a limited capacity. This book has excelent illustrations and explainations that walk you through many forms of building with brick though simple explaination. I would recomend this to the 'able' 'do-it-yourselfer' and I can imagine there are things profesionals could gleam from this book as well.


Bricklaying  Apr 09, 2012 By Tim S. Newcome
As a mason I learned a lot from this book. It is well illustrated and easy to read, and some of his tips of the trade so to speak are invaluable. Of all the bricklaying books I have bought over the years this is my personal favorite.

It is not necessarily a DIY book FWIW, but I think it would be helpful to some of you out there who have learned some of the trowel skills necessary for laying block and brick.

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