"Lavishly illustrated and extremely comprehensive ...a bargain" - "Antiques Magazine". "The evolution of pottery ...is fascinating, and this book does it justice" - "The Good Book Guide". "An epic tale ...a book to buy and to treasure" - "Crafts Magazine". This is the definitive British Museum reference book reissued with a beautiful new jacket design and pbk-with-flaps cover. This is the classic, comprehensive, colour survey of ceramic art and production worldwide, from prehistory to the present day. It offers a mine of information for students and anyone interested in pottery. Pottery is one of the earliest and most widespread of human activities and its history can be traced back to the Stone Age. This comprehensive account begins with the earliest civilizations of the Near and Middle East and follows the production of pottery chronologically around the globe. The final chapters analyse the development of ceramics as a medium of personal expression by artist and studio potters from the beginning of the twentieth century to the present day. The breathtaking wealth of illustrations drawn from major collections all over the world includes examples of all the major styles, materials and forms from all periods. Emmanuel Cooper is an internationally renowned potter, writer, critic and broadcaster and is editor of the highly respected and influential magazine "Ceramic Review". He has written widely on both modern and historical ceramics. Since 1999, he has been Visiting Professor of Ceramics and Glass at the Royal College of Art and is a member of the Arts Council of Great Britain.