Written by a world-renowned ceramist and leading expert in the field, this introductory book describes the initial processes of handbuilding, wheel throwing, plaster mold making, decoration, glaze application and firing techniques in a simple, easy-to-follow narrative.

The text offers rich pictorial guidance throughout, both inspiring and instructing students with 500 full color photographs of processes and clayworks. It includes a pictorial timeline of ceramic art history; and exposes students to a gallery of ceramic art, from traditional to avant-garde.

This new edition contains a completely rewritten and expanded section on Reds, Yellows and Oranges, with unprecedented documentation and results of actual, in-the-studio tests. There is also a new chapter on Ceramic Sculpture.