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

Frank Hamer (Author), Janet Hamer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1997

This Dictionary is established as the indispensable reference book for all makers in ceramics, both craft potters and ceramic artists. Professional potters, beginners, students and teachers will find comprehensive information clearly and logically presented. It explains the sources and character of materials, the behaviour of clays and glaze minerals during forming and firing processes, forming methods and glaze construction, together with explanations of terminology and historical developments. A wide range of specialized ways of making, which potters are today exploring, is illustrated and described. The Dictionary's special feature is that it is set out as an index of key words and phrases, giving the reader quick access to as much, or as little, information as is required on any particular topic. Under each heading is a simple definition, usually followed by a short explanation; a detailed article often follows in which technical points are lucidly explained in simple language and with easy-to-follow diagrams and line drawings. Colour photographs illustrate glaze effects and characteristics. The fourth edition has been completely revised, expanded and updated. In response to fresh research and experiment, new articles give thorough coverage of Soda firing, Paper clay, Fuming, Printing, Computer glaze calculations, and Crystalline glazes. In line with current scientific teaching a revised Potter's periodic table is presented, correct chemical terminology is used, and weights and measures are metricated with conversion tables for reference.

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)

--This text refers to an alternate Hardcover edition.

About the Author

Well-known potters and teachers, they are both founder members of the South Wales Potters Group, and Frank has been a frequent contributor to numerous ceramic journals. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: University of Pennsylvania Press; 4th edition (June 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0812234049
• ISBN-13: 978-0812234046
• Product Dimensions: 10.7 x 8.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,226,690 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.