Book Review: A Brief Treatise on Tomb & Grave Stones of the Eighteenth Century by J. David Gillespie

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There are many books out there about gravestones. This is the only one I know of that was written by a stone cutter.

The author is J. David Gillespie, an artist and reenactor from South Carolina. He carves gravestones and other items from slate using traditional tools and traditional methods. This gives him a unique and valuable perspective on historic gravestones and the craftsmen who carved them.

Gillespie's books contains biographical information on several different stone cutters who worked in slate, providing tidbits into their lives and craft. He shares details about the tools and techniques they used, the clothing they wore, and how they fit into their society. It brings light not only their skill and artistry, but their humanity as well.

There is a plethora of wonderful black and white photographs throughout the book that help illustrate the information presented. Also included are excerpts from letters written by/about the carvers with sources cited. The text itself if very readable, and not overwhelming. Even my high school students found it interesting!

Purchase the book from the author's website

The author's website: https://pumpkintownprimitives.com