The book is broken into three main sections: forming, surface and firing. The first focus on creating clay objects; both throwing techniques and slab construction are covered here. Projects include making cups, a square covered jar and a slab teapot. The second section concentrates on surface techniques included raw glazing, majolica decoration and using terra sigillata. The third section gives instruction on three different firing techniques including using a gas reduction kiln, anagama kiln and raku-firing.

You are guided seamlessly though each project with step-by-step instructions and photos. In the surface and firing sections the emphasis is on the finishing technique being featured, with basic information on how the object to be decorated was created. Some knowledge of the creation process is assumed. Each projects includes "notes for the studio" that I found very helpful. They give great advice on everything from the amount of clay your glazes contain to getting jar lids to fit correctly.

There are beautiful galleries of numerous pieces after each section as well. Information on the gallery objects includes the artist, techniques used and size in both metric and English measurements. Contact information on the artists is provided in the back.

In addition there are clay and glaze recipes from each artist. There are over 30 in total including a majolica base and Ferguson blue raku glaze. A list of schools that offer intensive workshops in pottery is also included. Although a fully equipped pottery studio is needed to complete most of the projects, this book offers a great overview of processes and techniques for the novice and wonderful examples of finished work for the lover of the potter's art.

5 of 6 found the following review helpful:

outstanding text, elaborately illustrated  Apr 05, 1999

Michelle has written a wonderfully informative text. The book clearly depicts a wide variety of styles and techniques. The words of the individual artists help make the book even more powerful. Unique is the wide variety of approaches to working in the clay. A must have for the libraries of any serious students of clay.

Not for the beginning potter  Oct 19, 2009
By Cheryl T.
Nice photos of the featured artists' works. Very brief/partial step-by-steps of 10 contemporary potters that just touch on a few building, glazing and firing methods.

1 of 13 found the following review helpful:

Well written, beautiful photos, I hope there'll be more  Feb 08, 1999

Michael (please note correct spelling of Michael, it is NOT Micheal) is NOT the illustrator of Michelle's book.

Michael Coakes IS an outstanding illustrator in his own right, but NOT the illustrator of his sister's book.