Customer Reviews

The Potter's Dictionary of Materials and Techniques

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

First of all, this is not a "how-to" book. If you want a book on pottery making or throwing techniques, don't buy this book. However, if you want an exhaustive encyclopedia of ceramic information, you need this book. Want to know why your pottery cracked the way it did, this book will tell you why. Want to know why a glaze recipe differs from batch to batch, the info will be in this book. This is the book that never gets lent out yet always quoted. Irregardless of wording or cultural bias, if you plan on being a professional clay artist, this book is the definitive authority on ceramic science.

The Potter's Dictionary offers details and facts about everything ceramic. Clay and glaze materials are explained more in-depth in this book than any other I have read. Subjects are presented in a clear and concise manner and the alphabetical order makes things very easy to find. It's more like an encyclopedia than a dictionary. When needed, great graphics complement many of the articles. No wonder this book has been published since 1975, A+!!!

An excellent reference book for anyone interested in pottery or in the conservation/restoration of ceramics. Well written with a world of information. An expensive book but worth every penny!

The 5th edition of this book is great. It's a great reference for both the hobbyist and Studio potter as well as the newbie.
It's set up like a dictionary which makes finding information quick and easy. Although I've heard some remarks made about the lack of depth of knowledge with regards to some specific areas, I think that the knowledge imparted as good when one realizes that more than one specific area is being covered. There is adequate information provided for all areas covered. The book is well thought out and the easily understood and very well researched - and the information can be applied to both sides of the pond. It's a nice addition to my studio library and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in pottery. I've enjoyed my copy and have no doubt that as more additions become available I'll keep updating.

If you are a potter this is one book you should have on your shelves. It goes into detail on every subject and covers every thing from firing to the obscure.

My niece is an art major. She was thrilled to receive this book for Christmas.

This really is an indispensable book for anyone seriously interested in pottery as an art or profession. It contains lots of great information. It also contains some errors, most of which are little. Also, the rendition of the Chinese character for "raku" is ugly and missing a stroke. The title says this is a dictionary of materials and techniques - but it's more than that. It can serve as a jargon glossary, too. Also, some articles seem more concerned about meaning and interpretation and make practically no mention of materials or technique, and in the case of the "Teapots" entry, I thought it culturally-biased and incomplete. That said, get it anyway, this book is a must-have.