Specifications in Detail
Frank W Macey
Hardback £55.00 $110.00
Publication date 9 September 2009
648 pages
ISBN 978 1 873394 90 8
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Introduction to the 2009 edition
Read the new introduction by Lawrance Hurst
First published in 1898 and then revised many times during the twentieth century, this reprint contains examples of model specifications from the 1904 edition. It therefore provides an extensive reference to all the materials and construction in use at the end of the Victorian era.
The book is divided by trade and offers detailed specifications for masonry, bricklaying, carpentry, slating, tiling, thatching, plastering, painting and the many other construction processes. The text is illustrated throughout with clear, small drawings showing how the materials and details were applied. The specifications not only give the conservation practitioner a high level of construction detail but offer a fascinating snapshot of the life of the times, with as much thought being given to the housemaid’s sink or the stables for horses as the grand galleries or ornamental plasterwork.
This is a hardback, high quality reproduction of the original book with a new Introduction written specifically for this publication.
This reprint of Macey’s, which undoubtedly influenced Edwardian specification writers and reflected accepted good building practice of its time, is a very welcome addition to the reference material currently available.
What makes Macey’s so useful is not just the intrinsic value of the information contained in these clauses, but also the explanatory advice that accompanies them together with the myriad of detailed marginal thumbnail sketches which illustrate the construction described. Although Macey makes no attempt to describe specialist ecclesiastical building work, when it comes to items for residential, industrial and commercial buildings the book is a veritable treasure trove containing information not easily found elsewhere.
As a single source of technical information on the construction of Edwardian buildings Macey’s has few rivals.
Journal of Architectural Conservation Read the full review
Everyone who is considering writing a specification should read this book... as a basis for good specification writing, this book cannot be faulted. The details and diagrams that go alongside the specification give a wonderful insight to the construction of buildings at the end of the 19th century.
Cornerstone (SPAB) Read the full review.
Following a comprehensive and erudite introduction by Lawrence Hurst which sets Specifications in context, the reprint commences with general guidance on specification writing. Much of this advice retains its relevance today.
The Donhead reprints now take a central place in the libraries of many conservation professionals. The construction details in Specifications are quite small, often without annotation. They are intended only to provide context to the adjoining specification clause, so the book is best read as a companion to a detailed construction manual, such as Rivington's Building Construction (also published in facsimile by Donhead). This can help to provide a detailed understanding of the construction technology found in buildings of the period.
It is remarkable that a book written over a century ago is still relevant to today's practitioner. Even those not actively engaged in conservation work will be able to learn from Macey's considered structure and his approach to production information in general. While this book can be highly recommended for conservation professionals working with the buildings of the period, it will also serve as a valuable educational tool for those engaged in the art of specification writing.
Context
The idea behind republishing is that such a book is still useful. There is no doubt in my mind that this is the case.
It can be mined for descriptions of systems, products and execution that could be used in project specifications today where an Edwardian result is wanted... Those dealing with buildings of the period might be able to check what was built against Macey, to see if Macey was used.
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