Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Pitman Publishing Corporation; First Edition edition (1975)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0273314653
ISBN-13: 978-0273314653
Product Dimensions: 10.9 x 8.7 x 1.5 inches
Shipping Weight: 4 pounds
Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #1,921,225 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #627 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Wood Crafts & Carving > Carving #1426 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Reference #419463 in Books > Reference
This is the single best hands-on resource for clay working that I have found in over 20 years of clayworking, studying and teaching. It is a dictionary BUT it is cross-referenced and illustrated with many well-covered, interlocking topics. There are seven full pages on cracking alone with all the various factors described so one can diagnose and correct problems in the shortest possible time.
This is an indispensable reference for anyone involved in the potter's and ceramic arts. More an encyclopedia than a dictionary, the depth and detail of coverage is outstanding.From the artistic to the highly technical, everything is here. Materials & processes as well as chemical compositions and practical formulae are accompanied by black & white photos and excellent diagrams.A wealth of information is provided in an appendix of 42 tables, a bibliography, a list of suppliers and personal recipes from a number of artists. Historical styles and techniques are included as well.Two sections of color plates include many varied and beautiful finished pieces with technical details and references to appropriate dictionary entries. This is definitely a classic in its field.
I have depended upon this book for years as a student and now as a professor of ceramics. Topics are listed alphabetically (as in a dictionary or encyclopedia) and provide information ranging from the definition of common and obscure potter's terminology, to thorough explanations of the physical and chemical properties of clay and various related materials. This is a resource that will keep providing information as you progress in your understanding of the medium.
First of all, this is not a "how-to" book. If you want a book on pottery making or throwing techniques, don't buy this book. However, if you want an exhaustive encyclopedia of ceramic information, you need this book. Want to know why your pottery cracked the way it did, this book will tell you why. Want to know why a glaze recipe differs from batch to batch, the info will be in this book. This is the book that never gets lent out yet always quoted. Irregardless of wording or cultural bias, if you plan on being a professional clay artist, this book is the definitive authority on ceramic science.
The Potter's Dictionary offers details and facts about everything ceramic. Clay and glaze materials are explained more in-depth in this book than any other I have read. Subjects are presented in a clear and concise manner and the alphabetical order makes things very easy to find. It's more like an encyclopedia than a dictionary. When needed, great graphics complement many of the articles. No wonder this book has been published since 1975, A+!!!
A book which covers the potting issues from A-Z. I have not found a ingrediant or process not covered by this Bible. It is my favorite book of how and why ceramics and potting is what it is in a consice, understandable, to-the-point way. Good for beginer to advanced potters who want to know why things happen in clay processes.
The 5th edition of this book is great. It's a great reference for both the hobbyist and Studio potter as well as the newbie.It's set up like a dictionary which makes finding information quick and easy. Although I've heard some remarks made about the lack of depth of knowledge with regards to some specific areas, I think that the knowledge imparted as good when one realizes that more than one specific area is being covered. There is adequate information provided for all areas covered. The book is well thought out and the easily understood and very well researched - and the information can be applied to both sides of the pond. It's a nice addition to my studio library and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in pottery. I've enjoyed my copy and have no doubt that as more additions become available I'll keep updating.
An excellent reference book for anyone interested in pottery or in the conservation/restoration of ceramics. Well written with a world of information. An expensive book but worth every penny!
HARRY POTTER: Harry Potter BOOK AND FILM DIFFERENCES fully illustrated (harry potter, harry potter and the sorcerer's stone, harry potter, harry potter series) Harry Potter: Ultimate Jokes & Memes for Kids! Over 150+ Hilarious clean Harry Potter jokes! (harry potter memes, memes for kids, harry potter kids books, harry potter jokes, harry potter comedy) The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques Harry Potter y el Misterio del Principe / Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y las reliquias de la muerte/ Harry Potter and the Deadly Hallows (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y la piedra filosofal (La colección de Harry Potter) (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y la cámara secreta (La colección de Harry Potter) (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y la Orden del Fénix (La colección de Harry Potter) (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y el cáliz de fuego (La colección de Harry Potter) (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter y el prisionero de Azkaban (La colección de Harry Potter) (Spanish Edition) Harry Potter und der Stein der Weisen (Die Harry-Potter-Buchreihe) (German Edition) Oxford Picture Dictionary English-Chinese: Bilingual Dictionary for Chinese speaking teenage and adult students of English (Oxford Picture Dictionary 2E) Oxford Picture Dictionary English-Spanish: Bilingual Dictionary for Spanish speaking teenage and adult students of English (Oxford Picture Dictionary 2E) Oxford Picture Dictionary English-Vietnamese: Bilingual Dictionary for Vietnamese speaking teenage and adult students of English (Oxford Picture Dictionary 2E) Mastering the Potter's Wheel: Techniques, Tips, and Tricks for Potters Painting: Techniques for Beginners to Watercolor Painting, Painting Techniques and How to Paint (Painting,Oil Painting,Acrylic Painting,Water Color Painting,Painting Techniques Book 3) His Forge Burns Hot for Mosaic Damascus: Knife Patterns & Techniques: Damascus pattern making & techniques. Learn how to make mosaic Damascus patterns ... techniques for making Damascus patterns. NLP: NLP TECHNIQUES: HYPNOTIC LANGUAGE PATTERNS to Easily Attract More Success (PLUS: FREE BONUS AUDIOBOOK) (NLP books, NLP sales, sales techniques, NLP techniques, NLP Book 4) Learning: 25 Learning Techniques for Accelerated Learning - Learn Faster by 300%! (Learning, Memory Techniques, Accelerated Learning, Memory, E Learning, ... Learning Techniques, Exam Preparation) The Penguin Dictionary of Literary Terms and Literary Theory (Penguin Dictionary)