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Rating: 
Summary: For the Serious Potter's Library (Beginner to Advanced)
Review: I received this book as a Christmas gift in 2003 from my boyfriend, as I had just started learning to throw forms back in September. I'm still taking classes and this is the best and most complete reference I've seen yet. I've purchased and looked at quite a number of books, but nothing else I've seen compares to this one. But I have a caution for the beginning potter; there is absolutely no substitute for studio experience and classes. My instructors told me right from the beginning, quite rightly, that the art of claymaking requires hours and hours of practice. No way around it. This book is not intended as a stand-alone reference. Perhaps it could be for the more experienced potter. But for a beginner such as myself, it is a great reinforcement for what I'm learning in class. It also gives me great ideas on glazing, types of pots to throw, etc.. I need to work with my instructor on much of this, but I still find it extremely useful. The book expands on subjects that we don't really discuss in detail in class. It talks about things such as: what are glazes (composition and origin) and how does the chemical process work? What are the main glazing techniques? What are all the various types of clay and where do they come from? How does one choose a clay to work with? Since the art and history of clay making varies from culture to culture, a lot of different styles and techniques are included, making this a well-rounded book. Many parts of the book are very technical (a little intimidating to me) and are probably best suited for the 'master' clay artist. However, I still find it extremely useful. It's really the "Oxford Dictionary" of Claymaking. This book should definitely be a part of a serious claymaker's library (but not the only book!)
Rating:
Summary: For the Serious Potter's Library (Beginner to Advanced)
Review: I received this book as a Christmas gift in 2003 from my boyfriend, as I had just started learning to throw forms back in September. I'm still taking classes and this is the best and most complete reference I've seen yet. I've purchased and looked at quite a number of books, but nothing else I've seen compares to this one. But I have a caution for the beginning potter; there is absolutely no substitute for studio experience and classes. My instructors told me right from the beginning, quite rightly, that the art of claymaking requires hours and hours of practice. No way around it. This book is not intended as a stand-alone reference. Perhaps it could be for the more experienced potter. But for a beginner such as myself, it is a great reinforcement for what I'm learning in class. It also gives me great ideas on glazing, types of pots to throw, etc.. I need to work with my instructor on much of this, but I still find it extremely useful. The book expands on subjects that we don't really discuss in detail in class. It talks about things such as: what are glazes (composition and origin) and how does the chemical process work? What are the main glazing techniques? What are all the various types of clay and where do they come from? How does one choose a clay to work with? Since the art and history of clay making varies from culture to culture, a lot of different styles and techniques are included, making this a well-rounded book. Many parts of the book are very technical (a little intimidating to me) and are probably best suited for the 'master' clay artist. However, I still find it extremely useful. It's really the "Oxford Dictionary" of Claymaking. This book should definitely be a part of a serious claymaker's library (but not the only book!)
Rating:
Summary: Great book
Review: If you want to learn all the techniques about clay work, you need this book, it is great and with a loat of beautiful pictures.
Rating: 
Summary: Could of used more step by step pictures
Review: The book had many pictures of finished products and a lot to read. I am visual and was thinking maybe it would show step by step pictures and how it is done. I have never used clay or done any sort of pottery, so it didn't really help me. I bought it for my class in college, but I never used it. Instead, I just got my hands dirty and learned by doing.
Rating:
Summary: Could of used more step by step pictures
Review: The book had many pictures of finished products and a lot to read. I am visual and was thinking maybe it would show step by step pictures and how it is done. I have never used clay or done any sort of pottery, so it didn't really help me. I bought it for my class in college, but I never used it. Instead, I just got my hands dirty and learned by doing.
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