Written by a well-known ceramist, this best-selling, comprehensive introduction to ceramics adeptly combines the artist's perspective and spirit of creative inspiration with step-by-step, fully illustrated instruction in the full range of hand, wheel, and plasterwork techniques. Ideal for self-study, it features exceptionally clear explanations; an abundance of black-and-white and full-color illustrations of process sequences, model examples, and ceramic projects; and a convenient-to-use layout--with one topic per page or per two-page spread. Fabrication methods. Design, decoration, and glazing. Clays. Glazes. Firing the ware. The use of computers in ceramics. The marketing of ceramics. Features photos of a great variety of clayworks--from pots to ceramic installations, on site and in galleries; and a portfolio of international artists, with personal statements about their work. For any one interested in the procedures and techniques of working in clay.