Ceramics: A Potter's Handbook [Paperback]

Glenn C. Nelson (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0030632277 | ISBN-13: 978-0030632273 | Publication Date: August 1983 | Edition: 5th

This classic handbook introduces students to the fundamentals of the ceramic arts, beginning with a comprehensive history of ceramic materials, techniques, and practices up to the present day and then moving to a detailed presentation of ceramic techniques from the most basic to the complex. This new edition has been thoroughly updated throughout to incorporate the many new resources and materials available to ceramists as well as the most current techniques and technical and safety information.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 350 pages
• Publisher: Holt Rinehart & Winston; 5th edition (August 1983)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0030632277
• ISBN-13: 978-0030632273
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 7.8 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #408,587 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A great book for beginners as well as seasoned ceramicists, January 6, 2002

By 

August West - See all my reviews

This review is from: Ceramics a Potters Handbook (Paperback)

A wealth of knowledge can be found in this timeless book that covers all the major aspects of ceramics.

For the novice, it covers the the world's history of ceramics. Discusses clay and glaze compositions and gives step
by step explanations of the various techniques from wheel throwing to hand building to making plaster molds for
slip casting.

For the advanced ceramist, there is good information of various kilns and their construction. It offers analysis of
several major clays, frits, and feldspars as well as other useful reference tables including some recipes for
glazes from low fire to high fire.

I first bought the book in '82 as a college freshman and it has proven a valuable aid ever since. It is on the top of
my "required reading" list for anyone interested in getting involved with studio ceramics.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Old school, November 18, 2009

By 

Fredrick C. Gromley Carving (N.E. Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ceramics, A Potter's Handbook 3rd Edition (Paperback)

Has the basics from beginning to end. Recipes for glazes are dated as most are lead based, but it's an old book. I paid .18 cents for and it was worth that. My other books I purchased were newer and a better investment. I find it hard to believe that the asking price for the newest version of this book would worth it. Most of the information I was looking for was nothing more than a general overview.
If you get this book don't spend a bunch on it.....it's Ok at best

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book for students, April 29, 2009

By 

Louis Katz (SoHo Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ceramics: A Potter's Handbook (Paperback)

I use this book with my beginning students. It is rare that I read a ceramics book and find no significant problems. It is well written and full of information and good illustrations. I recommend it highly.