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what are current college recomended text

updated wed 13 sep 06

 

Dan Bowen on sun 10 sep 06


I am doing research to purchace college textbooks as a gift for a library
system. I have reviewed copies of Susan Peterson, Robin Harper and Spieght
and Toki 3th ed. I am aware of a fifth edition of the latter . I am
concerned that the text do not represent currently avalable materials and
frits. Is the 5th ed more up to date on frits and gertsey borate
substitutes. Are there other general text I should be considering.
Dan Bowen
Weirwood Station Pottery
Eastern Shore of Virginia

John Hesselberth on mon 11 sep 06


On Sep 10, 2006, at 10:18 PM, Dan Bowen wrote:

> Are there other general text I should be considering.
> Dan Bowen

Hi Dan,

Definitely! "Clay: A Studio Handbook" by Vince Pitelka is the best
there is for all around info on clay. If you coupled that with Hamer
and Hamer's "The Potter's Dictionary" as a reference book you would
have a fine pair of books.

We have also had several schools select MC6Gs as the text for their
glaze course.

Regards,

John

Lea Holland on tue 12 sep 06


concerned that the text do not represent currently avalable materials and
frits. Is the 5th ed more up to date on frits and gertsey borate
substitutes.>

We use the 5th edition at the University of Memphis. I find it stronger as
an overview of ceramic history than as a technical guide. It comes with a
supplemental technical guide, which includes a thorough listing of chemical
composition of frits along with a comparison of equivalent brands. It does
not, however, discuss the availability and substitutions for gerstley
borate. The resources section is out of date, especially the glaze software
section. And most listngs do not include websites. The suggested readings
section is extensive, but stronger in the art history/asthetics areas than
technical areas. Vince's book isn't even listed, nor Ron & John's.

Best,
Lea Holland
Memphis