Ceramics: A Potter's Handbook

by Glenn C. Nelson

This classic handbook introduces students to the fundamentals of the ceramic arts, beginning with a comprehensive history of ceramic materials, techniques, and practices up to the present day and then moving to a detailed presentation of ceramic techniques from the most basic to the complex. This new edition has been thoroughly updated throughout to incorporate the many new resources and materials available to ceramists as well as the most current techniques and technical and safety information.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Reference

439 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1966

Reviews

[Cindy]

3rd edition. 1971, great illustrations and historical background

[Horus · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a reason this book became a reprinted bible of pottery information for so long. This is a succinct and well written overview of pottey, including a very brief, but well cherry-picked history, a description of the types of ceramic arts and how the changed over time, as well as a discussion on making, finishing, glazes and glazing, kilns and other studio equipment. The particular edition I read was printed in 1971 and so is out of date in some of its info, and does also contain a few small errors. However, this is entirely a worthwhile read as well as a decent resource for your pottery studio.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm so bummed that I cannot find my copy of this book, this edition. I had this back in college, in the mid-80s. I wonder if I let someone borrow it over the years.

(Update: a used copy was found and purchased awhile ago )