The fascination of an open fire finds modern expression in a fireplace, whether modern and functional, old-fashioned and rural, fancifully decorated or historically inspired. Over 160 striking color photos display modern fireplace designs in today's homes, including simple, rustic types, costly antiquities, replicas of historic and antique frames, fantastically unusual examples, and classic modern forms that demonstrate many possibilities. In addition, the text carefully describes details necessary to create and maintain a functional and legal fireplace that looks beautiful and draws properly and safely. Finally, useful information including the cost of operating a fireplace and what fuels are most suitable. This book is an absolute must for homeowners, architects, and interior designers who wish to keep fireplaces in all their varied modern plans. AUTHOR: Holger Reiners is a freelance planner from Hamburg, Germany, and the author of several books on architecture, living, and rebuilding. SELLING POINTS: .Provides details for proper fireplace planning .Details construction procedures .Displays the many forms of fireplaces built today and lists the architects who made them ILLUSTRATIONS 165 colour photographs *