<DIV>You may not have considered the ancient art of stone carving to be something that can be practised as a hobby but assume it is the territory of stone masons and sculptors undertaking intricate work on a grand scale. This inspiring book introduces the medium of stone to the hobby carver as an accessible and rewarding pastime without having to undertake a stone mason’s apprenticeship or tackle heavy and unwieldy materials and equipment. Based mainly on the period styles of carving found in historic buildings and ancient ruins, the projects are a mix of decorative and sculptural objects on a practical and manageable scale that can be easily displayed in the home or garden. Each project is presented in a clear step-by-step format and includes some historical context for the style of the piece along with a handy pattern to trace and scale to size. An introductory section includes comprehensive information on stone-carving tools, different types of stone, how to handle stone, the basics of stone carving and information on periods and styles of carving.</div>