Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
(OP)
I've been reading through American Building: Materials and Techniques from the First Colonial Settlements to the Present by Carl W. Condit, and Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley is mentioned in the text. It seems to be a prominent book in the 1700s for construction showing details and design theory. Its also 432 pages long! I can't seem to find a reprint anywhere, all I ever find is people trying to auction the original (which was published in 1736).
Has anyone come across a reprint or a digitized version of this text?
Carpenters Company of Philadelphia has a book of construction details but its only like 150 pages long and no theory in it afaik.
Thanks!
Has anyone come across a reprint or a digitized version of this text?
Carpenters Company of Philadelphia has a book of construction details but its only like 150 pages long and no theory in it afaik.
Thanks!






RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
Now, have you come across a reprint or digitized copy?
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
Back in the olden days, there used to be places called reference libraries and university engineering libraries. They had a wealth of really good materials like this, because they actually taught these subjects instead of just saying Google it, here’s some software. We actually had to walk over there and sit down and read the books to gain some knowledge on a subject. What a quaint approach to learning something, and sometimes you even saw a cute gal. Unlike Google, most of the Uni’s. materials were vetted by knowledgeable people before they were published. Contrary to public opinion, everything of importance isn’t all on the internet.
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
https://twitter.com/ArchLibND/status/8377457418084...
Might be worth an ask if they have digitized it?
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
You might check on the Dover books, and if they don't have it, suggest it- that's the kind of stuff they publish.
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
http://www.worldcat.org/title/ancient-masonry-both...
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
That’s a nice link, beats calling them to find out if they have it. Now I can call them and ask them to dig it out for me, for when I get there. It’s probably not on the front shelf.
Jstephen:
I may well be older than you, but horses weren’t the main mode of transport when I went to college. The Uni. is older than you or I, and it probably doesn’t have the first copy printed. But, the U of Minnesota has a copy in Minneapolis and another in Duluth, according to Mike’s link. You just went to the wrong school, we tried to tell you.
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
How is that a helpful response?
To Jerehmy: I looked on Amazon, ebay (including completed items), and ABE books and couldn't find anything. I would actually like a copy too, as I collect historical books. With a book that old, I think your best bet is a university library. They probably wouldn't scan it, unless you offered to pay them. And I bet their labor is cheaper than you would think. I just got a building department to scan some old files for me and it cost me $14, including shipping of a CD with them on it...
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
Unfortunately, Lindsay retired.
His remaining inventory is available here:
https://www.youroldtimebookstore.com/
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Ancient Masonry by Batty Langley
https://www.architecture.com/image-library/ribapix...
More Batty flavour here:
https://openlibrary.org/authors/OL1214446A/Batty_L...
More on Langley here:
https://parksandgardensuk.wordpress.com/2017/08/05...
And if you know of any Australian mates, you can use their login to view it here:
https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/3144133