1 comments about The Collector's Encyclopedia of Niloak: A Reference and Value Guide (Collector's Encyclopedia of Niloak).

1. After having looked at far too many of these books lately I wasn't expecting more than the usual workmanlike job-- well lit photographs of perfectly displayed examples of Niloak pottery, brief history of the pottery itself, usual pricing information. However, I have to say that this book was an unexpected surprise.
   
   It is well laid out as to the price guide-- the information is right next to the page with the photographs. The photographs are good. And there are a generous selection of photographs of the bottoms of pieces-- in other reviews I have talked about how the finish on a bottom of a piece of pottery is very helpful with identification.
   
   Bless this author though, he also provides information about look alikes-- companies that might have a connection with Niloak and who produced wares similar to Niloak and which might be, innocently or not, sold as Niloak. The popular Missionware is particularly susceptible to this. I was also happy because this information helped identify a miniature I had bought a couple of weeks back. He further discusses how to determine if a piece might have been reworked-- ground down to get past a chip or break, and how to determine if a label might have been attached to piece that originally had been unmarked. This is all excellent information that is not just applicable to Niloak.
   
   Very, very highly recommended.

No comments about Experience Clay (Davis studio series).

3 comments about California Potteries: The Complete Book (Schiffer Book for Collectors).

1. Fabulous book with wonderful information about the more collectible Califonia pottery companies. Helpful, informative and wonderful pictorials...some pricing and general information about the market



2. Mike Schneider, the leading collectible literary figure in our time, lights a path for us to follow again in this work of art about works of art. Beautiful pictures tied together neatly with outstanding captions and background information...all done by this jack-of-all-trades, Mike Schneider...Schiffer Publishing is lucky to have this diamond of an author.



3. Chock-full of pottery figurines and planters. Very few photos of other decorative-ware. Lots of info on little known companies and distributors. No index in back. Companies listed alphabetically. Nice photos and descriptions. Brief company histories.

No comments about Bas Jan Ader: In Search of the Miraculous (One Work).

4 comments about The Witch Hunter's Handbook: The doctrines and methodology of the Templars of Sigmar (Warhammer S.).

1. My only problem with this book was that it's bound in leather and I didn't know that before it turned up. I sent it back because of this - that is my only complaint (well that and that I can't now read a copy). It's a nice little background book - ideal for adding flavour to your campaign or character. A nice little bit of icing on your setting, it's not going change anything but it'll give you a greater understanding of the Empire. More useful for Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay than anything else. My stars rating is based on the contents, rather than my complaint.



2. Despite the small size, this is an essential handbook into the thinking of a Witch Hunter for the warhammer roleplayer. It cleverly covers witch hunting tests and trials that ensuring that zealous witch hunting will never be far from paranoia. While not covering any particular warhammer rules this handbook will allow first and second edition witch hunters to carry on in their often over zealous hunt for Witches, Warlocks, Demons, Undead and anyone who may doubt the witch hunter's authority.



3. Mildly entertaining- journal style reading that won't change your gameplay. Might influence a gamemaster to throw one in a campaign as an NPC but nothing in here will be used as a resource during a game.



4. If you like the oldschool witch hunters on the warhammer universe this book is for you its like an actual ref guide on weapons short stories facts on how to spot and find diff sighs of chaos taint etc hope they continue this series

2 comments about The New Mosaics: 40 Projects to Make with Glass, Metal, Paper, Beans, Buttons, Felt, Found Objects & More.

1. If you're looking to learn the ins and outs of mosaic making, if you're looking to glue shards of tesserae to boards and lamps and things, this isn't the book for you.

   If, on the other hand, you simply love the "look" of mosaics, this book will teach you how to recreate it using beads, bottle caps, dice, and everything else listed in the subtitle. Though many of the projects are attractive (like the "Luxurious Journal," made of velvet squares), many are also a little tacky (like a clock made of beans).

   A few of the projects involve creating mosaics with actual glass and tile tesserae, but these are generally quickies-for beginners. And although the gallery in the back of the book contains a few terrific pieces, almost all of them are in dozens of other books on mosaic.

   It's a nice book for your mosaics library, but it's less than essential.




2. This book show you that you can use many materials to do a mosaic. If you want differents ideas, this is the right book.

No comments about Depression Glass: Warman's Companion (Warman's Companion: Depression Glass).

3 comments about What Every Potter Should Know: Answers and Solutions to Common Pottery Problems.

1. A wealth of solid advice on how to prevent (or solve) a wide variety of ceramics problems. Well-written and easy to read. A unique collection of topics, but well-organized, making it easy to find what you're looking for. Includes details about clays and glazes, buying materials, firing, safety, and even business considerations. The title is accurate: you really should know what's in this book, and much of it you won't find elsewhere.



2. I am a self taught potter. This is one of the first books I bought on the subject and I still find it very valuable. It gets to the point and addresses practical problems in clear and specific ways. The glaze recipes that are given work, however it helps to have a bit of knowledge first. (I didn't understand about the thermal expansion of lithium and one of the base glazes give is overloaded with it. It broke my clay body apart completely, not surprising from its chemistry. On the proper clay body it would have been fine.) The solutions to the problems work well. I am using, with good results, a clay body that uses advise from this book. It doesn't have every solution to problems, but I haven't seen any book that does. It is interesting and covers a wide range of important issues for the potter, issues that are often left out of other books. I highly recommend it for anybody who works in clay, specifically those who mix their own clay and glazes.



3. As a beginner in the world of pottery, I found this book to be useful in a language that is easy to follow and understand.

2 comments about The Tile: Making, Designing and Using.

1. After I got through the section on the history of tile...I don't understand why tile books all start with the same history lession, I found the book to be extremely informative and very well versed on a multitude of tile making and decorating applications. Thanks to Mr. Clark for sharing his knowledge.



2. If you are looking for many small pictures with little detail for ideas, this is your book.

   If you are looking for a source of instructional material with step-by-step or other detailed information on various methods of tile making and/or decorating, I STRONGLY suggest that you save your money & look elsewhere.

   This book was a great disappointment to me & I found much more useful information in Giorgini's book, "Handmade Tiles."

2 comments about Ceramics - Mastering the Craft.

1. Generally, I collect ceramics, I don't make them anymore. I was never very adept with the potting wheel where my projects too often became lost in space, but I used to make very nice ceramics. In the process of dabbling with molds, slip and glaze I wondered about other aspects of the craft and over the years I have read and studied the subject informally. This wonderful book is a valuable resource whether you are starting out and want to experiment with different clay projects or want to refresh your memory.

   Zakin first explains the building blocks--ceramics-making materials (different combinations lead to different outcomes). He discusses types of clays, feldspars, frits, silica, and other modifying compounds. Ever notice when you hold a cup made from Kaolin (frequently called porcelain) filled with a hot fluid you don't burn your hand whereas the cute cup you bought at the local craft show made from a more porous clay does? Zakin provides a great deal of information about the attributes of clay including plasticity, durability, color, maturity absorption, texture, resistance to warping, and intended use. If you're making a mug, a quiche pan, or a vase (or buying one), you may want to consider these aspects.

   Zakin provides the reader with much information about ceramic color, glazes, and mold-making (plenty of tips for success). I was fascinated with the sections discussing glaze making and testing, and kiln loading and firing including some nice photos of the raku process. Section 16 includes a succinct history of ceramics that covers various types generated over the ages (nicely illustrated and clearly written).

   The appendices of the book continue the in-depth exploration of the process of ceramics making including ways to analyze your results. This is an informative and well illustrated book containing many examples of ceramics made by the author and other artists working in his field.




2. This book has a wonderful overview of ceramics for the studio potter. It has wealth of useful information for all skill levels and is one of the best reference books that I have in my collection. Top artists in the field are represented with lots of pictures and glaze recipes. Very well written and easy to understand.