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 World of Ceramics; The Craft of Working with Clay by Hand; Throwing on the Potter's Wheel; Finishing Touches; Firing Ceramics; The Art of Ceramics; The Timeless World History of Ceramic Art; Suggested Projects for Individual Work; Suggested Projects for Beginning Hand-building; Progression of Individual Steps in Throwing; Suggested Projects for Clay, Glaze, and Decoration Experiments; Experimenting with Material Additions to a Base Glaze; Glaze Improvisations; Glaze "Line-blend" Test; Special Low-fire Information; Example of a Pottery Studio.