Showcasing over thirty eye=catching, beautifully crafted creations in short chapters with accompanying photos, this book is all about the joy that accompanies working with stone to create a hardy wall, a small bridge, primitive enclosure or rock follie.

Dan Snow is one of just a handful of Americans who have earned a master craftsman certification from Great Britain's Dry Stone Walling Association. He has been hand-building unique stone constructions and practicing his craft throughout New England for the past three decades.

In this retrospective of his work, Snow not only shares the stories behind some of his "signature" pieces but also muses on the relationship between man and nature.

"Being a terrestrian at heart, even when I'm not handling dry stone, it's the earth that intrigues me most," writes Snow. "The natural landforms of New England are endlessly fascinating to me, both for their geological and human histories. I don't have to go far from home to be swept up in the physical drama and cultural dynamics that have moved within and across my native landscapes."

In addition to a map showing where the pieces the author discusses can be found in Vermont, the book features the work of photographer Peter Mauss, who provides the evocative photos of each stone creation.

You won't necessarily uncover or learn many of the secrets of Snow's craft by studying this book, but it does delve into the experience and philosophical underpinnings of dry stone construction.