The Stone Carvers:
Master Craftsmen of Washington National Cathedral

By Marjorie Hunt

This book presents the lives and work of two Italian American master stone carvers--Roger Morigi and Vincent Palumbo--who have spent decades creating the many sculptures and decorations that embellish Washington National Cathedral. Exploring the carvers' underlying aesthetic attitudes, Hunt reveals the spirit of creativity and mastery that infuses their work. She describes their backgrounds and apprenticeships in Italy, showing how memory and tradition continue to shape their art. The book records the stone-carving process, highlighting the complex body of technical knowledge and skill that carvers bring to their work. Based on nearly two decades of fieldwork and research, this generously illustrated book resounds with the stone carvers' voices -- with their memories, stories, and experiences, their values and ideals.