Are you a brick lover and an avid reader? Us too! Which is why we love the fact that there so many books on bricks out there.
A lot of this info is freely available on the internet, but you can't beat a good book to leaf through for reference.
Maybe you've got some of these already - and, if not, you can always add a few more to your collection...
Need inspiration?Brick by William Hall
Published by Phaidon, 2019
This little book captures some of the greatest brick architecture in the world with exceptional photography and accompanying commentary.
It's an arty book but the compact format (and more affordable price) makes it a great little companion for creatives, wannabe architects and people who just want to admire a good brick building.
The bigger original version is also available and has bigger pictures, obviously, but is also more expensive.
As well as the photos there are also a lot of accompanying words to read. A must have for any brick lover looking for inspiration.
Brick: A World History by Dr James Campbell
Published by Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2016
If you want a thorough history of our favourite building material you can't go far wrong with this (although if you want a quick rundown, be sure to check out our blog on the history of bricks and brickmaking).
This large history book follows bricks throughout its long history, from its origins in 5000 BC to its use in buildings today. The book covers brick used in Roman baths, gothic brick buildings in Germany, temples in the middle east and more around the world.
As you'd expect there's plenty of photos and info about how far bricks have come and it really shows off how universal and versatile brick is.
British Bricks by David Kitching
Published by Amberley Books, 2016
If you want a more British approach to the history of bricks then this small book is for you.
Covering the development of brickworks in Britain and how they've changed, this book tracks a wide range of bricks from different places, often recognisable by the frog pressed into the bottom.
Brick manufacturing has grown in certain areas more than others due to the abundance of clay available and you can see that through the history charted in this book. This is more about the bricks themselves than the buildings.
Brick Index by Patrick Fry
Published by CentreCentre, 2019
If what you're after is a comprehensive record of bricks this handy publication prints pictures of them in real size, along with the many wild stamps and 'frogs' they carry.
This book revels in the unique history and quirks of bricks themselves and whilst there are many known makes and manufacturers here, there are also a number that have been lost, only recognisable by their markings.
It's a celebration of these graphic stamps as much as anything else and is definitely worth having to hand for any brick matcher or self-builder who wants to do a bit of research.
David Kitching pops up here too, to write the introduction.
100 Contemporary Brick Buildings by Philip Jodidio
Published by Taschen, 2017
Much like the Phaidon book above, this special coffee table book shows off some impressive brick buildings.
It takes the reader on a tour of the world in the form of brick architecture. Taschen are renowned for their impressive coffee table books for artists, creatives and architects the world over. This would be no different except that brick lovers may also find some inspiration here.
It includes some famous and striking examples of modern brick architecture and should be an encouragement to anyone working in brick, that this enduring building material is still very much in use.
Brickwork and Bricklaying: A DIY Guide by Jon Collinson
Published by The Crowood Press, 2012
Moving away from architecture and history, it may be that you want something more practical.
There are of course many books out there concerning bricklaying and DIY but this is a pretty good shout if you're a newbie and want to swot up on bricks.
This cheap and cheerful guide is a great intro to the craft of bricklaying and has everything you need to know to improve your skills, learn about materials and get prepared for your own building projects.
Share your knowledge
These are undoubtedly some of the best brick-related books on the market but there are of course others out there.
If you know of another brick book that you think should have been on our list, let us know! Who knows, we might add it on later...
We're here for you
If you're inspired by these literary lovelies but can't decide which bricks to use on your own project, our free Brick Selection service could be just what you need; if you want to use bricks that blend seamlessly with the rest of your home, our Brick Matching service could be right up your street; or if you'd prefer to browse bricks for yourself, we have more than 3,800 products to choose from in our Brick Library!
Our expert Brick Advisors are standing by to help you figure out how many bricks you need for your project, then source them and find you the best price - we'll even arrange delivery too!
