Contemporary Lampworking: A Practical Guide to Shaping Glass in the Flame (2 Vol. Set)

Rating:
Summary: Contemporary Lampworking is definately practical!
Review: After reading Cindy Jenkins' humorous and informative "Making Glass Beads", I was skeptical about another publication addressing additional techniques and scientific aspects of lampworking. However, Mr. Dunham's book provides just the right combination of inspirational quotes, technical direction and vital safety information that every artisan needs, from hobbyist to the more serious glass artist. Techniques begin with simple explanations of the physical properties of glass, and move through graduated levels of complexity at a perfect pace. Mr. Dunham's writing style is honest and encouraging, and he willingly shares his own observations in a way that demonstrates thorough knowledge of his subject without the reader needing a Physics 101 course! While exhorting the reader to practice and expand creativity through hands-on experience, Mr. Dunham discusses important safety and ergonomic aspects of lampworking. The illustrations are clear and support the text well; inserting a gallery of contemporary glasswork was a stroke of pure genius. This book will serve as an invaluable resource for technical information on glass compatibility, studio set-up and many other essential components of the lampworking process, all written in easily understandable language.

Rating:
Summary: The best book in its class
Review: If you could have only one book, it would be wise to consider this one. I have been in this industry many years and this is by far the best book I have seen out there.

Rating:
Summary: absolutely amazing
Review: It should get more stars than five, the history of lampworking portion of the book is almost worth the price of the book itself.The history portion is only a small portion of the set. I have been doing lampworking for about 3 years now and I search the internet for anything reguarding lampworking often and this book set has tons of stuff I have never seen. excellent.

Rating:
Summary: It's Just OKAY!
Review: To the naive public this book is great! Riddled with typos and inconsistant captions this book is not ideal for understanding formal flameworking. The book includes information about the masters and their techniques but trivializes their skill by including no-names and wanna-be's along side. A good amount of important technical information is provided, but through a string of often choppy inconsistant paragraph fragments. This is an excellent PICTURE BOOK leaving a lot to be desired from the academic artisan. Is a great reference for suppliers. In many cases the information falls short of being cohesive and understandable. Recommended for the glass-goer. Recommended for the amateur glassblower (for inspiration). Has popular appeal void of substance.