William Collins Monumental: Great Buildings of the World Through the Hands and Eyes of a St | Hardcover

Discover the secrets of architectural preservation and the beauty of ancient stone wonders as seen through the eyes of one of the world’s most pre-eminent stonemasons and conservators, Simon Warrack. This hardcover book offers an intimate look at the craft of stone conservation across diverse global landmarks.

Simon Warrack shares his extensive experience working in over thirty countries with major religions, detailing his trade at ten significant locations. From the Trevi Fountain to Angkor Wat, and including Great Zimbabwe and Canterbury Cathedral, the narrative explores the shared human desire to conserve heritage across millennia.

• Exploration of ten significant global sites where the author has practiced stonemasonry and conservation.
• Focus on the beauty of stone, restoration techniques, and the sound of chisels accompanying the work.
• Examination of the joys, skills, and challenges inherent in conservation work.
• Discussion on how insensitive restoration can damage the very values and traditions it seeks to preserve.
• The author's passionate belief that conservators must be guided by the original spirit of construction.

• "I loved this book. What a joy to read a craftsman so clearly in love with his craft" - SIMON JENKINS
• "A wonderful read" - DOUGALD O'REILLY
• "Literary prize juries need look no further for a worthy winner" - MAX HASTINGS
• "In a world of AI, steel and concrete, books like this have never felt more important" - DAILY MAIL

This volume is presented in English with a four-color presentation, bound in hardcover format.

• Author: Simon Warrack
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Publication Date: May 21, 2026
• ISBN-13: 978-0008658823
• Dimensions: 15.9 x 3.6 x 24 cm
• Weight: 608 g

For professionals and enthusiasts of architectural history and conservation, this book offers invaluable perspective on maintaining the world's monumental stone heritage.