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Rating: 
Summary: this book is horrible
Review: Around my studio we had a copy of this book that no one would take and everyone laughed at. The work shown in the book is terrible- i mean really really bad art- dated and just ugly. The glazes are dated too- some even using lead (a poison that should only be used if you really know what you are doing). The only plus i can say for this book is that it has luster recipes -something i've never seen anywhere else(it's made of frit and bismouth subnitrate or something) all in all BUY A DIFFERENT BOOK! there are much better ones out there or start getting magazines (ceramics monthly and claytimes) that always have lots of glaze recipes and articles.
Rating: 
Summary: Interesting and technical, but not much help for beginners
Review: I purchased throwing techniques and decorating techniques from the same author and found both books to be wonderful. My skill level went far beyond what I could currently do in a matter of weeks using the techniques listed in the book. However, this book failed to impress me. The illustrations were nice, and it provides good detail for making and applying your own glazes, but unless you own your own set of kilns and have a workshop, this book is best to be borrowed from a friend or checked out from the library.
Rating:
Summary: Not for the novice.
Review: Part of the terrific Ceramics Class series, this is a wonderful book for those just starting out using glazes. It packs a tremendous amount of information into a small book and is of immense help if you want to experiment with lots of different glaze types.The book starts out with a great explanation of what glazes are made of and the coloring oxides used. Understanding and using formulas to make your own glaze recipes is next, along with glazing equipment and actual glaze preparation. Then working with commercial glazes and using a kiln is covered. Both gas and electric kilns are discussed as well as packing the kiln and the effects of temperature. A variety of glazing methods complete the book, including dipping, pouring and using a brush or spray gun. The final chapters give lots of recipes and instructions for using a wide variety of glaze types including low/medium temp, high/very high temp, crystalline, raku, salt, ash, crackle, scotch topaz, celadon, and oxblood glazes. Using lusters and frit, as well as reduction and single firing are also covered here. A helpful glossary is included in the back. This book presents a wealth of information in a logical and straightforward way. It truly tells you what you need to know. The multitude of color photos throughout, showing equipment, processes and beautiful finished pieces, are superb.
Rating:
Summary: this book is horrible
Review: This and the authors book Decorating Techniques are two books I wouldn't be without even after decades of working with clay and making mostly Raku bowls. I love the photos and text and encourage would be clay workers to get both books. This is not a book for the timid or someone who needs grade school instructions. But if you have a sense of adventure and want a good starting or jumping off point then buy both books. There is as the author shares, something so wonderful about working with clay and seeing something go from a slab of clay to something with form and then colour(s). And then seeing what we have created with our own hands grace our environment. Raw clay that takes form and now holds food, drink, flowers or air.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent jumping off point starter book...
Review: This and the authors book Decorating Techniques are two books I wouldn't be without even after decades of working with clay and making mostly Raku bowls. I love the photos and text and encourage would be clay workers to get both books. This is not a book for the timid or someone who needs grade school instructions. But if you have a sense of adventure and want a good starting or jumping off point then buy both books. There is as the author shares, something so wonderful about working with clay and seeing something go from a slab of clay to something with form and then colour(s). And then seeing what we have created with our own hands grace our environment. Raw clay that takes form and now holds food, drink, flowers or air.
Rating:
Summary: technical but uninspiring
Review: This book provides good information on glaze composition and firing, and has nice pictures, but there is little to help one explore techniques. The pictures show a variety of very interesting glazes, but rarely tell you how to make something like what you see, and sometimes don't even tell you what the glaze or glaze technique is. This was very frustrating, since I was hoping to get ideas from the book on what to try, but the techniques did not necessarily have pictures, and the pictures were rarely linked to the techniques.
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