when I use my fireplace, I like burning 10" oak too. the bark and the fact that the fire won`t get in too quick makes them last longer; sometimes in the morning there is still some left and all you need is to put some twigs and then you are good to go.
I just love the smell of fire burning in a room lit by candles...and if there is a dead animal roasting in the fire, that is as much as I can ask for.