The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques, Fifth Edition [Hardcover]

Frank Hamer (Author), Janet Hamer (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0812238109 | ISBN-13: 978-0812238105 | Publication Date: May 26, 2004 | Edition: 5th

Now available in its fifth edition, The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques presents a comprehensive survey of all aspects of making ceramics for craft potters and ceramic artists. With its sound, practical explanations of ceramic processes, this indispensable reference book has gained a reputation as "the potter's bible." Professional potters, beginners, students, and collectors will find authoritative information clearly and logically presented.

Frank and Janet Hamer explain the sources and character of materials, the behavior of clays and glaze minerals during forming and firing processes, forming methods, and glaze construction. In addition to brief outlines and detailed articles with cross references to illustrations, color photographs illustrate glaze effects and surfaces featured in the work of inventive, contemporary potters. The varied techniques of Raku, maiolica, crystalline glazes, salt and soda, stoneware, and porcelain are also presented in a new color section.

This new edition has been updated to include auto-reduction, crystalline glazes, insulation, stains, and specialized firing and fuming techniques. With upwards of 800 illustrations to clarify everything in the ceramic world, in its fifth edition The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques will continue to serve as the authority on all things ceramic.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"An alphabetical listing of almost every material, form, term, and process used in or relating to pottery making. Well illustrated in black-and-white, with a few gorgeous color plates."—Pottery Making Illustrated (reviewing the fourth edition)

About the Author

Frank and Janet Hamer operate their own workshops in rural Wales. They have been making, teaching, and writing about ceramics for more than fifty years.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 544 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press; 5th edition (May 26, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812238109
• ISBN-13: 978-0812238105
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.5 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #356,342 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Single best hands-on resource for clay working., January 1, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques (Hardcover)

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.

37 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Indispensable reference, must-have for serious potter, August 8, 1999

By 

Angel Lee "Liocorno Amethyst Moonstone" (Cleveland, OH United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques (Hardcover)

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.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perhaps the best ceramics reference book you will find., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques (Hardcover)

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.