Books about clay and pottery

500 Bowls
A Lark Book edited by Suzanne J.E. Tourtillott

500 Bowls is exactly what it says, beautiful lush pictures of 500 different clay bowls by 500 different clay artists.

• Gorgeous full color photos of an astounding range of clay work
• Very inspiring for those blocked moments
• Many different artists and their vision of the definition of “bowl”

The Spirit of Clay; a classic guide to ceramics

by Robert Piepenburg

This is one of my favorite books that has ever been written about clay! Art is not just about skill, it is about heart and soul, and this book addresses that from the very first paragraph.

• Covers technique from handbuilding to refined throwing
• Tons of information about glazing, firing and making
• Written with the emotional side of the artist in mind

Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk

The Art and Crafts of Ceramics; Techniques, Projects and Inspiration

By Maria Dolors Ros i Frigola

The Art and Craft of Ceramics is a good sourcebook for a variety of vocabulary and demonstration of techniques.

• Beautiful photographs clearly demonstrating what to do and not to do
• Sections on ash glazes, copper red glazes and others
• Step by step photos and descriptions of throwing, coil building, and other hand building.

Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk

The Extruder Book is a delight to the clay craftsperson!  Full of timely information and beautiful photographs, it brings into focus a tool that can be as valuable as the wheel or kiln.

• Expert instruction on making your own extruder dies
• Step by step photos on several demonstrations of various uses of extruder
• Comprehensive review of extruders available on the market

Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk

The Art of Firing explores building and firing a fuel kiln from top to bottom.  This is a book that I would not ever be without! 

• Expansive diagrams of kiln designs
• Comprehensive explanations of construction, draft, burners, and more
• Sections on wood firing, salt glazing and refractory materials

Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk

Raku; A Practical Approach

by Steve Branfman

Long considered a handbook of raku, Raku; A Practical Approach details a myriad of topics pertaining to this method of firing.

• Glaze recipes for many different raku effects
• Extended chapter on kiln design, construction and operation
• Information on how to do raku safely in a school or workshop environment.

Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk

• Soda Glazing by Ruthanne Tudball is a must-have if you are a potter or clay artist considering the move to vapor glazing, or would like more information on the process, the kilns and the clays.

  • Descriptive text about the soda glazing process
  • Clear and concise kiln diagrams
  • Profiles of potters’ firing methods

  
  Read the complete review

Read others' reviews at
Amazon.com      Amazon.co.uk