Illustrated with more than 500 color photographs and illustrations, this comprehensive workshop reference brings together a vast range of skills, techniques and technical data in one volume to provide an essential look-it-up resource. The book is organized into eight parts with 63 topic chapters on creating ceramic work and running a professional workshop.

The book includes:

1. Materials, Tools, and Process — The raw material clay, varieties available and uses; directory of equipment and tools with skill level ratings; making a "beginner's kit"; setting up a workshop; health and safety; overview of the ceramic process.
2. Forming Techniques — Forming techniques, from hand-building to wheel-throwing, lathe and whirler turning; computer-aided design; order of work.
3. Prefiring Surface Decoration — Color and texture, including slip, direct screen printing, burnishing.
4. Firing — Choosing a kiln; options from electric kilns to experimental processes; kiln diagrams.
5. Glazing — Protecting ceramic surfaces, glaze recipes and application methods.
6. Post-glaze Surface Decoration — Screen and digital printing, enamels, lusters, and more.
7. Design — Finding inspiration and recording it in a technical drawing which others can use.
8. Professional Practice — Setting up a studio, pricing, photography, promotion, exhibiting, commissions.

Ceramics: The Indispensable Guide is a comprehensive and valuable resource for ceramicists at all levels.