Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose [Paperback]

Robin Hopper (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2000

This second edition of the 1986 best seller has been extensively revised and updated. The new edition covers historical as well as contemporary pottery and presents both philosophical and practical experiences from the 43-year pottery-making career of author Robin Hopper, one of North America's most recognized ceramic artists.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Krause Publications; 2 Revised edition (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873418174
• ISBN-13: 978-0873418171
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,022,017 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Functional Pottery; Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose, July 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose (Paperback)

I found Functional Pottery to be a pleasant surprise for the most part, although I was mildly disappointed by the more practical sections of the book. Roughly the first half of the book provides an interesting historical and cultural review of functional pottery, which went beyond what I had anticipated from the title and general description. A portion of the second half of the book focused on the mechanics of particular forms of functional pottery. This portion, which was my particular interest in buying the book, was a little less thorough and extensive than I had hoped. For the beginner/intermediate potter specifically interested in practical advice and detail regarding the mechanics of functional pottery forms, the material in the book, while useful, may not go far enough. I recommend this book as a general overview, keeping in mind that the scope of the book covers a broader range of topics than implied by its title, and that only sixty pages of the book are dedicated to the practical considerations and mechanics of designing and creating functional pottery.

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For potters concerned about form and function, July 3, 2000

By 

Brandon Phillips - See all my reviews

This review is from: Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose (Paperback)

This book is an excellent addition to my collection of pottery books. This book deals with the more technical side of pottery. This book is for people who have accomplished throwing but want to take it to the next level. The book covers everyhting from history of pottery, to correct proportions, and also has artist bio's. Excellent book, i rate it 12 out of 10.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for every potter's library, March 25, 2008

By 

E. Edwards "Going to Pot" (CA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Functional Pottery: Form and Aesthetic in Pots of Purpose (Paperback)

Robin Hopper has written a definitive book for all potters, beginners and masters alike. The chosen work for photos offers an excellent range of contemporary and classic forms for study.