The Stone Skeleton

'This book is a gem and a masterpiece, that made me modify my opinions and ultimately changed my professional life. The additions of this second edition are beneficial, sensible and in keeping with the original style of the book.' Maurizio Angelillo, University of Salerno

'This book is a gem and a masterpiece, that made me modify my opinions and ultimately changed my professional life. The additions of this second edition are beneficial, sensible and in keeping with the original style of the book.' Maurizio Angelillo, University of Salerno

'A fundamental reference for professionals dedicated to understanding the mechanical behaviour of historic masonry structures. This updated edition enhances the original 1995 volume with Professor Heyman's advanced findings on exemplary structures and special forms, rendering it invaluable even to owners of the first edition.' Katalin Bagi, Budapest University of Technology and Economics

'Anyone interested in the assessment, preservation, design, or engineering of unreinforced masonry structures should read (or re-read) this book. The Stone Skeleton is the “bible” of masonry structures, a seminal reference for researchers, a practical introduction for practitioners and even an engaging read for amateurs. This work introduces Limit Analysis, the most appropriate structural theory for understanding stone and masonry architecture, with such clarity and explains the behaviour of keytypologies through interesting case studies. This foundational work has inspired generations of scholars, including myself during my doctoral studies, and will undoubtedly continue to do so. With this second edition, we have been given an even more complete reference work.' Philippe Block, ETH Zürich

Jacques Heyman is a structural engineer and Emeritus Fellow of Peterhouse, Cambridge and was previously Professor and Head of the Department of Engineering at the University of Cambridge. He has contributed substantially to plastic theory and initiated its application to masonry structures and was consulting engineer to many cathedrals, including Ely Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. He is a fellow of the Royal Academy of Engineering and in 2022 was awarded the Sir Frank Whittle Medal.