A second edition of what has proved – in the context of the ICE library at least – a popular text is to be welcomed; particularly one where the author has reflected on and revised the original content and objective. The detailed treatment of the development of reinforced concrete frames is an obvious improvement. The discussion of some more obscure floor systems may be less obvious, but increases the value as a source of historical information as well as reminding readers that there was more to early floors than Norcross and Turner.
The book is clearly aimed at the conservation engineer, but is for the non-specialist. There are plenty of examples of how and why building design and construction have changed, and what can go wrong. For a British or indeed any non-north American reader there is an obvious caveat. The book is all about US practice and, while many of the historical systems and methods described have been employed elsewhere, standards are different. The almost total absence of non-US sources is unfortunate. The book lacks context and the benefit of European research in the field. However, it is well laid out, with excellent illustrations, and this no doubt explains its appeal.
