We have this book in our library and I can say that it is seldom used. We design masonry buildings using hand calculations, the UBC and computer programs.

Bottom line is that this book is great for Architects and Contractors building small masonry structures. It is not as useful for the serious Structural engineer.

14 of 14 found the following review helpful:


Not technical enough  Oct 31, 1998
As the previous reviewer, I also am a structural engineer and have not found the book to be very useful for my line of work. It does have some nice details and empirical information that would probably be useful for architects and contractors.

4 of 5 found the following review helpful:


A Must Read for Intermediate/Advanced Masonry Students  Jan 06, 2005 By Jack "Jack"
If you want to build more than a backyard wall or barbeque, the information contained here will put you on the right track. Most masons will follow a building plan, but this book gives the framework for the plans. This text will cover in depth structural design and problem solving associated with layout, material, and construction of masonry structures.


Thorough Overview of the Topic  Jun 14, 2010 By Brize Books
Unlike some of the other reviewers, I am not an engineer, or even a masonry contractor. Just a guy who has some masonry work to do and who prefers not being bewildered by the products, techniques and recommended practices of a trade that has developed over many centuries. This book has way more information than I really need, but I very much like the organization and depth of the material, as well as the authors clear writing style.

This is not a primarily historical book, but she briefly describes the development of the various masonry products, including the shortcomings and driving forces for technological improvements along the way. She usually starts at the beginning (often pre-biblical times) but quickly moves to the more recent history and developments in the last century, which of course are more rapid and more relevant. I found the depth of explanation about right and have been honestly somewhat fascinated by the story behind a method of building that we've all been surrounded by forever.

Call me a chauvinist, but I was initially taken aback by a masonry book written by a woman. Huh? Christine? Well, I guess I still don't know if she's ever laid a wall of block, but I know if she was on the jobsite she could tell someone doing so what was right or wrong with their work, and more importantly, WHY. In fact, I wish I had read this book before I re-blocked a portion of a garage recently so I would have been more knowledgeable about the effect of my mix proportions (and product choices) on the job I did and the effect on durability. A lot of books tell you what to do, this one tells you why you should do it that way and what are the effects if you don't.

If you want to understand masonry, read this book!