Customer Reviews

Wedgwood Jasper Ware: A Shape Book and Collector's Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

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The title of this book suggests that it is a guide to all Wedgwood Jasper Ware, but the author concentrates strictly on dipped jasper ware. The title should indicate this. The text of the book also is filled with the author's opinions that dipped jasper ware is somehow superior to solid Wedgwood jasper ware and that the latter category of wares is rather declasse. He is certainly entitled to his opinions but they should not be presented as standard for Wedgwood collectors. His collection (and therefore his book)concentrates on a very specific period of production that he prefers but as I stated above the title does not indicate this. Having said that, am I sorry that I purchased this book (indeed pre-ordered it and waited several months for it?) Not at all. The photographs are sumptuous, and that section of the book is superb. The shapes of the pieces and subjects of the bas reliefs listed apply to all types of Wedgwood wares, dipped jasper, solid jasper, basalt, Queensware, drab ware, etc. For this very reason, the book is a valuable reference. Quality books on Wedgwood are few and far between and older ones are difficult to find if one wants to own them and not have to go to a library. In conclusion, drool over the pictures, but divide the text into two categories: Wedgwood history (which the book is short on) and author's opinion (of which there is plenty.)

An addendum of second thoughts:
The book convinced me to acquire my first piece of dipped jasperware. I can certainly see why the author raves about the quality of the workmanship during this period of production. The dipped jasper has qualities that more modern solid jasper does not offer but the solid jasper has wonderful qualities of its own. I will not go so far as to say that one is superior to the other, but that each needs to be appreciated for what it is. I am grateful to the author for expanding my (Wedgwood jasper) vision.

A collector's guide and shape book filled with wonderful color photographs of the many varieties of Wedgwood jasper ware dip. Author Michael Herman shares his knowledge and experience with other collectors.
It not only provides basic information so important to the beginning collector. It is a resource for all collectors in this area. Each piece is identified as fully as possible-including the bas relief figures.
Dark blue does predominate, not a surprise, as it was the most popular color. Still the other jasper ware colors are well represented.
Most of the pieces illustrated were made between the mid 19th century and the virtual end of jasper dip production in 1940. It is indeed refreshing to have a book that focuses on this period in this area of collecting. The timeless appeal of Wedgwood jasper ware is so well illustrated.

This is a great book on wedgwood jasperware. It will definitely help identify genuine pieces and offers great illustrations. I thought there would be much larger collection of pieces illustrated within the book though, so I was somewhat disappointed since none of the jasperware I own was even listed in the book.

While many books have been written about Josiah Wedgwood and 18th century "first period" production, there has been very little information for the collector of 19th century jasperware. Until now. Michael Herman has written a wonderful guide to explain and classify the wide range of dipped jasperware and bas relief ware produced by the Wedgwood factory. If all this book did was to identify the myriad of shapes with their proper shape names, it would be a must read for all collectors and dealers. But the author also provides a wealth of detailed information from his vast expertise on the subject of Wedgwood. A history of jasperware production is given, bas-reliefs are identified, the wide range of colors explained and dated, and there is even a section on jewelry. I definitely enjoyed reading the book and have discovered many new pieces that I want to add to my collection. I look forward to new books by this author.

The book, on the whole, does as its title asserts - uses good photographic images to show the reader the various shapes used by Wedgwood. It also offers some guidance as to the rarity of colors used and a basic historical reference.
Even with the wide variety of shapes shown, there were some missing. The identification of the designs was most informative.

An excellent source to help collectors identify their items. The author details the beginning of Jasper Ware and changes made through the years. His descriptions of the shapes and scenes depicted are priceless. The photograps alone are worth the purchase price.

I just wish I had this collectors guide when I first started my collection. I am thoroughly delighted with this book.

There seems to be precious little out there for us Jasperware fans (surprising given how famous it is...). This book is great for learning about the basic designs. My one issue with it is that most of the pieces pictured in this book (and there are LOTS of pictures!) is that almost all the pieces shown are a deep cobalt blue color. I would like to have been able to see more examples of other colors, such as pink and the lighter blue (which is far prettier). Still, a wonderful source and very enjoyable if you are a Wedgwood person :)