Annual lapidei. Vol. 9: Restauro

After the previous eight editions which met with considerable success, this ninth edition is the most eagerly awaitedand the one that was most insistently requested. The theme of the first part regarding restoration techniques is indeed of great interest. Starting from the assumption that the causes of the stone's deterioration are known, all of the operations require to restore the piece of work to its form integrity and beaty were analysed. Following the introduction, the publication analyses the various systems adopted to prevent deterioration; the various interventions with the atainable results; the preservation of the noble patina; the chemical-physical aspects linked to the protection and reinforcement of stone; the properties of the polymers and additives used; the choice criteeria of the reinforcement products, taking into consideration the compatibility and reversibility of the process, conservation and replacement; the comparative assessment and application of protective and reinforcement products with the relative application techniques; gluing, stuccoing; and replacement. An interesting chapter is dedicated to cleaning, to the best methods and the analysis of the various systems. The second part contains high-definition photographs of 80 different types of stone extracted in Finland, Sweden and Norway. Each of the different types of stone is illustrated with a photograph and technical information on the material, carefuly verified through a lengthy and complex process. The book contains 130 illustations and it is made up of 167 pages. The publication was printed with maximum definition and care using a four-colourprocess on glossy bi-coated paper.