Stone by Stone: A Rock's Journey Through Time

Changed by billions of years and shaped by human hands, the stones that make up our homes, roadways, buildings, and bridges are a part of our story. Earth’s story.

From ancient cairns to castles, from the Great Wall of China to Maya cities, the stone structures we build tell us who we are, what we value, what we fear, and who we want to be. The story begins deep below the Earth’s surface. All those stones start with a rock.

Stone by Stone invites readers to consider how geology, engineering, and human history connect. The book opens with a striking and dramatic description of the rock cycle before delving into the many ways humans have used stones across history to rebuild, reconnect, and reimagine our place on Earth.

Melissa Koch’s lyrical language takes readers on a journey through the world’s stone structures, highlighting the human side of science. Victoria Tentler-Krylov’s art vibrates with energy, capturing the fire of the earth and the spirit of invention that lives inside all of us.

Robust back matter includes more information on the rock cycle, engineering, and stone usage throughout history, as well as a timeline, bibliography, and list of resources.