A complete guide to designing and living with one of the oldest, and yet one of the newest, heating devices. A masonry heater's design, placement in the home, and luxurious radiant heat redefines the hearth for the modern era, turning it into a piece of the sun right inside the home. The book discusses different masonry heater designs, including variations extant in Europe, and explains the growth of their popularity in the US beginning in the 1970s. Masonry heaters offer a unique comfort that is superior to that from convection heat from forced-air systems, and more personal than that offered by "radiant" floors. Professional contractors will find this a useful tool to consult,. Home-owners considering a new method of home heating will find all they need to know about masonry heaters and their durability, quality, serviceability, and health-supporting features as a viable investment in self-sufficiency and freedom from fossil fuels.