Here are an assortment of links for further research. One site in particular, Rumford Fireplaces created by Jim Buckley, deserves special recognition for its extensive articles and discussions on fireplaces.
Building a fire
The Art of Fire - an excellent method without a grate
The forgotten art of building a fire - a great method using andirons, be careful of smoke
Building and maintaining a fire - thorough and useful article, but geared toward woodstoves
Preparing wood
How to split wood - great article on the “art” of wood splitting
Seasoning wood - helpful article on seasoning and stacking wood
Choosing the right wood, splitting and seasoning
Maul - example of a great maul for splitting
Fireplace add-ons
Grate Wall of Fire - excellent fireplace grate, utilises embers
Texas Fire Frame Grate - interesting fireplace grate, radiates more heat than a conventional grate
Ecofire grate - listed here simply for those who aren’t interested in learning to build an efficient fire but are interested in a grate which helps achieve one
Fire starters
Misinformation
Hayden Critiqued - rebuttal by Jim Buckley to a source of misinformation about open fireplaces
Rumford fireplaces
Masonry heaters
Article describing masonry heaters
Other
