Now in its fourth edition, The Potters Dictionary of Materials and Techniques is the established reference source for all ceramic artists and potters.
Arranged in A‐Z format, the dictionary includes information on materials, the behaviour of clays and glaze minerals during forming and firing processes, forming methods and glaze construction, terminology, techniques and historical developments. Information is generally of a very practical nature; there are, for example, no entries on individual ceramic artists and craft potters. It is a working dictionary which should be ready to hand for use by students, teachers and professional potters.
Each entry starts with a sample definition, usually followed by a longer explanation; a detailed article follows with technical points outlined in simple language and illustrated with diagrams and line drawings. A system of highlighting text allows for easy cross‐ referencing between entries.
This fourth edition has been completely revised, expanded and updated. Recent developments and research have been incorporated into articles; for example, in Paper Clay, Printing, Computer glaze calculation, Soda Firing and the Periodic Table. Metrication has also been introduced except for batch recipes supplied by potters and the chemical names of pottery materials and chemicals have been brought up‐to‐date. This dictionary is extremely well laid out and comprehensive in its subject coverage. The centre pages include some lavish colour reproductions illustrating the work of individual ceramicists and potters, describing the techniques and materials employed. This is an excellent dictionary of a very practical nature and as such is likely to be used by practicising artists in need of up‐to‐date information.
