Customer Reviews

Kovels' American Art Pottery: The Collector's Guide to Makers, Marks, and Factory Histories

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I recognize that this book dates from 1993. Still, this remains one of the most authoritative guides to art pottery and tile.

Organized alphabetically by factory, the Kovels have pulled together a zillion potter's marks and lots of insider information. And they don't adopt a lowest common denominator "price guide" approach. They're interested in the pieces themselves, as art, as decor, and as historical artifacts.

The scholarship is laudable, as well -- a bibliography with over 500 entries, books and catalogues, of course, but also ephermera and letters.

Hardback with dustcover, 326 pp, something like 400+ black and white and color illustrations.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements
Introduction

Art Potteries (pp 1-274)
Tile Companies (pp 275-305)
Additional Tile Companies (pp 306-308)

Bibliography
Index

If you've ever wondered if your "find" is indeeed authentic, this book will resolve the majority of your questions.
In addition, it is a beautifully designed book with many luminous photographs and closeup details. I'm proud to display it on my table and carry it while antique shopping. It has always been met with a knowledgeable nod.

Arranged alphabetically by maker. Outstanding illustrations, numerous for each maker, especially the more reknowned. Might have been nice to have a historical preface/section, but withstanding that, well-written and comprehensive.

Despite the dozens of volumes devoted to collecting American art pottery, Kovel's still has yet to be outdone. If you had to buy just one book, this is the one. Miller's (Rago & Perrault) comes in 2nd, but doesn't include examples of maker's marks. Kovel's does.

Truly an indispensable volume for serious art pottery collectors.