The Stones of Oxford

Conjectures on a Cockleshell

John Melvin

John Melvin here reflects on a number of subjects concerning the nature of tradition and the role of memory in the renewal of our cities.

260mm x 210mm

96 pages

Hardback

ISBN: 978-1-906506-13-1

£25.00

Subjects: Architecture, Design

Available now

Many of the illustrated essays in this book focus on Oxford, but their lessons could be applied to any town proud of its past. The novelist Justin Cartwright has described Melvin as having a profound understanding of the history of architecture and an acute ear for architecture's emotional resonances, and these qualities colour all the essays. This book allows Melvin, who is one of our most experienced architects/town planners, to take a fond look at a number of those visual ingredients whose origin may be lost to memory but which nevertheless add savour to our experience of the city. The text is beautifully married to Melvin's sketches and paintings, which, with his own photographs, make this a delight for the eye as well as a provocative but timely read.

Purchase on our shop
Purchase on Blackwell's

John Melvin

John Melvin is an award-winning architect and town-planner. His work has been widely exhibited in the UK and abroad by the RIBA and the British Council.

Find out more