Book

Campbell, James W. P. Brick: A World History. Thames & Hudson, $70.

Library Journal: “This tome should generate new respect for the lowly unit of fired clay…brilliant…The text is clear, concise, and authoritative despite a few typographical errors…The hundreds of color photographs are stunning in their clarity and composition…Highly recommended for public and specialized collections.” Choice: “There has long been a need for this oversize book…a treasure trove of photographs, all in luscious color and detailed documentation…Especially valuable are the gorgeous color details…To an effort like this, one can only say: Bravo! Encore! Essential. All levels.” Publishers Weekly: “photos are stunning, miraculously capturing the outlines of each brick…clear and intense historiography…A lack of detail on Chinese use of brick is a drawback, but the Islamic world is well-covered.” Booklist: “meritorious for its spectacular color photographs and the panoramic scope of its text.”