The Collector's Encyclopedia of Cowan Pottery: Identification and Value Guide

Rating:
Summary: An invaluable resource for collectors of this art pottery...
Review: This excellent reference book is a must-have for any collector of this wonderful at pottery. The authors obviously took some real time and effort to put the book together, and their work really shows. There is a great section on the history of the pottery, with sections on past and recent history (including info about the Rocky River library purchase). There is discussion of the various artists who worked for or did designs for Cowan, including: Bogatay, Martin, Jossett, Gregory, Winter, Hummel, Cowan himself, and Schreckengost of course. A section discusses the bodyware, glaze, and pottery marks, and there is a special section on the famous Jazz Bowl.

The rest of the book consists of an identification and value guide. It's chock-full of mostly color photos of various Cowan pieces, with sizes given, as well as prices (although it's worth noting that the prices are no longer quite accurate, due to the effect that online auctions have had on collectibles of late). The photos are sharp for the most part, with details shown clearly. All in all this is a great book for the Cowan collector.