Books like Popular crafts guide to pottery by Alan Bridgewater

*from foreword* Welcome to the fraternity of potters! Come join the company of those who fashion this out of earth and fire, who work with materials old as time itself. Explore the mysteries of the kiln whose magic changes dull mud in to objects as brilliant as jewels. Learn the secrets of the ceramic art - learn about clay. A wonderful material, clay - probably the first to which man turned his hand when he felt the urge to make things, not for hunting or for war, but just for the pleasure of creating. Out of clay he contrived those first utensils for cooking and storing food which spelled the beginning of civilization. Out of it he also made ornaments, representations of natural forms, objects of religious veneration, even books. If you learn its simple rules, clay will serve you well, obeying your slightest touch and giving tangible expression to your thoughts. It will remain plastic and responsive, changing as you command; yet when you achieve the form you wish and pass it through the fire, it will hold the impress of your fingers forever. You may work clay with machinery or you may work it by hand. The experienced potter can use it to produce articles of exquisite design whose making will tax to the utmost his knowledge and his craftsmanship. A little child can use it, also, and make things of real utility and charm. It can be modeled, pressed, or stamped. It can be thrown on a wheel. It can be made into a liquid and cast in molds. It can be carved as a solid. It can be rolled, turned, scraped, incised, pulled, cut. When hardened by fire, it can be glazed with colors, brilliant or subdued, glossy or mat. It may be decorated with designs or given a variety of textures. Its range is almost limitless. It has something to offer to all tastes. It will lend itself to all degrees of skill. It took a thousand centuries for forces of air and water working on granite rock to form the clay you work with. It took countless centuries more for winds and glaciers and running streams to deposit it in the bed where it was found. It is ready to serve you. Respect it for what it can do. If you are honest and sincere, it will reward you richly, not only in pieces of ware but in that deep satisfaction which comes from making something and knowing that you have made it well.

*from introduction* Clay, the potter and pottery form a highly personal and entirely creative relationship. The plastic nature of clay and its ability to yield to the creative guidance of the craftsman makes the art of pottery one of the great crafts. Pottery need not be an expensive hobby. It is true that a properly "set-up" studio, complete with ball mills, throwing wheel, pug mill and an elaborate kiln or two, requires the outlay of considerable capital. However, excellent pottery was made hundreds of centuries before there were any electrically driven machines or gas fired kilns available and if you have the will you can be a potter with the outlay of only a few dollars. This book gives in the most practical way possible, details of how to get started in pottery and turn your leisure into creative leisure and, with some experience, your spare time into money. Yes! That is correct. There is a world-wide shortage of hand-made individual pottery pieces and anybody who can create acceptable pottery has no difficulty selling it as quite astonishing values at times. This book has been written with both the beginner and the moderately experienced potter in mind. The overall theme is strictly do-it-yourself and emphasis has been placed on obtaining, processing and using materials which are obtained in the same way as the primitive potters gained their materials. It is for this reason that this book will have value, even to those who have perfected their own technique and are no longer in need of detailed instruction, but are attracted towards developing local materials in order to advance their own individual style and finishes. The beginner will find that he or she will be guided by detailed instructions on how to begin to enjoy a great craft, with little outlay of money. From time to time, proprietary materials are given consideration. This is in deference to those who lack either the opportunity or inclination to gather their own materials.

A practical, step‑by‑step guide to constructing essential pottery workshop equipment—from clay mixers and hand tools to various kiln types—complemented by detailed plans, diagrams and a source list.

Introduces the techniques and necessary tools for creating a variety of ceramic objects by the slab method.

A practical guide that teaches pottery from clay selection to glazing, with clear illustrations and expert advice for beginners and experienced makers alike.