This book aims to widen our understanding on the importance of local resources of natural stone for human society and art history. Discussed topics include, among others, viability of local stone resources and their competition with globally traded stone varieties; current status of historical quarries, improvements in the methodology of stone provenancing, stone decay and conservation strategies. The book is aimed as a multi- and interdisciplinary source of up-to-date information to various researchers involved in any aspect of natural stone used in cultural heritage: geologists and geotechnicians, geographers, architects, sculptors, art historians, archaeologists, and/or restorers.

After graduating (MSc.) in Geology of Mineral Deposits and Geochemistry in 1992 and finishing doctoral studies (Ph.D.) in Applied Geology at the Charles University (Prague, Czech Republic) in 1998, Prof. Richard Přikryl became involved in teaching and research of various aspects of applied geology (applied mineralogy and petrography, experimental rock physics and mechanics, decay of building stones and other constructional geomaterials, concrete petrography / constructional material microscopy, non-destructive geophysical methods for rock and material characterisation, study of stones from dimensional and sculptural works of art and determination of the material provenance). Throughout his academic career, he supervised more than 80 students. He published around 100 papers in the international scientific journals, wrote 25 book chapters, edited or co-edited 7 books and 7 special issues within leading international journals. During the past 25 years, he organised 5 international conferences and workshops focused on natural stone in monuments, their resources and decay characteristics. Along with this, he was involved in the organisation of 24 special sessions in the frame of scientific congresses (EGU, IMA, IAEG, CBGA, JpGU-AGU).