Author, educator and stone and tile forensics expert Frederick M. Hueston three new books in the last few months.
Journey through the history design and craftsmanship of ceramic tile
From Clay to Contemporary: The Story of Ceramic and Porcelain Tile traces the story of ceramic and porcelain tile from ancient clay to modern masterpieces. It is a richly detailed journey through the history, design, and craftsmanship of one of the world’s most enduring building materials. Travel from the very first sun-dried mud tiles of ancient civilizations to the sleek, high-performance surfaces found in today’s homes, public spaces, and works of art. Along the way, Hueston explores the cultural roots of tile in ancient Persia, Egypt, and Rome. He examines how Italy, Spain, China, and other regions have influenced global styles and production techniques over the centuries. The book looks at modern innovations such as digital printing, thin gauged porcelain panels, and sustainable manufacturing. It shows how technology has transformed both the aesthetics and the performance of tile.
“Tile is not just a building material,” said Hueston. “It is a living art form that reflects human creativity and craftsmanship across thousands of years. I wanted to tell its story in a way that connects the past to the present, and helps people see the artistry under their feet and on their walls.” With historical context, technical insights, design trends, and practical appendices, this book will appeal to designers, architects, tile installers, historians, collectors, and anyone with an appreciation for the beauty and versatility of tile.
A professional guide
Hueston’s Comprehensive Manual for Diagnosing and Investigating Failures in Natural and Engineered Interior Stone Surfaces is a must-have reference for diagnosing and understanding stone and tile failures in the real world. This paperback manual is the culmination of over 40 years of hands-on experience investigating and solving problems with marble, granite, travertine, slate, quartz surfaces, and more. Hueston breaks down complex failures into simple, logical steps. The book helps you figure out what went wrong, why it happened, and what can be done about it.
Learn about:
- Identifying cosmetic vs. structural failures
- Common causes of cracking, spalling, staining, and delamination
- Diagnosing installation errors like lippage, hollow tiles, and adhesive failure
- Understanding material properties: porosity, mineralogy, and finish vulnerabilities
- Evaluating engineered stone issues like resin yellowing and thermal shock
- Using the right tools: moisture meters, borescopes, crack gauges, UV lights, and more
- Proper documentation, reporting techniques, and expert witness preparation
- Real case studies that show how failures were diagnosed and resolved
- A full chapter on how to market your inspection services and grow your consulting business
This professional field guide includes sample forms, glossaries, reference charts, and inspection checklists to use on the job. Whether you’re doing inspections, troubleshooting restoration issues, or getting into forensic consulting, this book will save you time, money, and guesswork. Bonus: purchase of this manual includes one free 15-minute consultation with the author.
A story with heart
Finally, Hueston tells a personal story in My Heart Journey: Waiting on a Heart. He chronicles his 87-day hospital stay while waiting for a life-saving heart transplant. The book offers readers an intimate look at the physical challenges and emotional complexities of heart failure, hospital life, and the profound experience of receiving a second chance at life. Written in journal-style essays, Hueston’s memoir balances the gravity of his medical situation with moments of humor and reflection.
My Heart Journey also addresses profound questions about mortality and expresses deep gratitude toward the anonymous donor who made his continued life possible. The memoir celebrates milestones in recovery—from first steps to finally returning home—while honoring the medical professionals who facilitated his survival.More than a transplant narrative, the book serves as a testament to perseverance and a tribute to organ donors. Hueston’s account offers readers insight into the transplant experience while highlighting the importance of hope during life’s most challenging moments.
Hueston has more than four decades of experience in the field. He has written over 40 books on stone, tile, and surface care, and is known for his engaging, accessible style that bridges the gap between technical expertise and storytelling.
For more information, follow the links or contact Hueston at [email protected] or phone 321.514.6845.
