Book Review - Dry Stone Walls by Lawrence Garner

Shire Publications

ISBN: 978-0-7478-0620-2

Price: £4.99

I thought I'd do the odd review of stuff I read/watched. Clearly I'm coming at this from the viewpoint of a layperson and a beginner, but it might be useful for anyone, like me, looking to find out more about Dry Stone Walling.

After a brief search, I came across this book and was drawn to it, I admit, by the price. I didn't want to spend a fortune on a book that was going to be too advanced for me so it seemed a safe bet.

The Author is well placed to write on this subject having been the first Director of the DSWA. It's actually more of what I'd call a "pamphlet" than a book at only 40 pages, with some of that taken up by many great photos. It took a little less than an hour to read, and I have to confess a short attention span so this is testament to an accesible writing style with little by way of unnecessary "filler".

The subject matter deals with a brief history of walls, some basics of construction, a look at varying regional styles of walling, a look at the state of the craft today and some further information for readers to follow up.

The history was actually quite interesting and certainly gives the budding waller a sense of heritage. The construction section, although short and introductory, already taught me more than I knew to date and certainly shows that there's more to it than simply stacking some stones together. This section also shows why, as a craft, it is important for organisations like the DSWA to uphold standards and practices.

The section that I actually found most interesting was on the regional variations, which explains how different styles of wall have emerged in each major walling region due to economic, geological and geographical circumstances. What this means for the professional Waller I'm not sure...does it mean a Waller who works Nationwide needs to master all styles? It does appear to me that there are some styles that are just more robust than others, but to what extent does the use of local stone and its limitations and sympathy for local traditions hold sway over superior walling techniques which give greater longevity and craftsmanship? A question for another time I think, but interesting nonetheless...

The section looking at the craft today aims to challenge the perception that Dry Stone Walling is a craft in decline. It would seem that between Professional Wallers, volunteer conservationists, farmers and hobbyists, there are a fair number of people involved. I remain open to challenge to this, but I would imagine, however, that the age profile for the majority of these people is rising all the time. I say this with no prejudice - I'm just pointing out that there could be a succession issue in future.

Lastly, the sections that offer the beginner guidance on further reading and other associated organisations are a useful resource that the Internet doesn't readily throw up with a basic google search so I look forward to following some of that up.

Overall, its a good little book. Ideal for me as someone new to the subject and probably as much as I needed right now. Colour pictures throughout are great and satisfied the feeling in me that this is a craft that sits in communion with the best that nature has to offer.