In a sense I know the product well as I produced an earlier version in the mid-1970s. Many of us have responsibilities for churchyards or historic burial grounds that are several centuries old and so the advice of an archaeologist is well worth obtaining. Many counties have county archaeologists who are happy to help. An ancient churchyard is a precious document with vivid stories from the past, so they should be handled with care, and with knowledge about their significance. Wild-life conservation and low-energy consuming technology are the best options for churchyard maintenance. It gives me pleasure that more and more people are prepared to take trouble over choosing a stone carver-sculptor who is a real artist and not a machine. The organisation Memorials by Artists-The Lettering Arts Trust has a fine record of encouraging memorials which are truly works of art and traditional craftsmanship. It is worth reading the Handbook from end to end, getting an overall perspective on the numerous aspects with which it deals: and then honing in on a particular topic where specific advice may be urgently needed. This is an attractive book, to be used and cherished year on year. I liked the point subtly made on the cover that 'Conservation' and 'Mission' can be partners and not in opposition to one another.