Guided by a Stonemason: Exploring the Cathedrals, Abbeys and Churches of Britain (Tauris Parke Paperbacks) - Softcover

Thomas Maude studied at the European Centre for Craftsmen in Venice and has held the William Morris Craft Fellowship. He has worked as a stonemason on some of Europe's most prestigious restoration projects, including Salisbury Cathedral and Wells Cathedral. He lives in Dorset, England.

"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

"This book will help any visitor understand and enjoy the mediaeval ecclesiastical buildings of Britain." - Bolton News

"[A] fascinating and always engaged presentation, which is direct and clear in approach, and never boring" - Hugh Clout, www.cercles.com

"Thomas Maude demonstrates a wide knowledge not only of the physical elements of the structures but also of the conditions and societies underlying their erection...His deft touches of expression illuminate the medieval mind...It enriches perspectives of the past and supplements knowledge with telling details....The book is strongly recommended" - Context

"Guided by a Stone Mason is a fascinating and always engaged presentation, which is direct and clear in approach, and never boring." - Cercles