Reviews provided by Syndetics

Library Journal Review

The front runner in promoting 20th-century American ceramics, the Everson Museum also boasts a permanent collection that ably documents the history of the art. This book, which serves as a comprehensive catalog for the collection, portrays not only the museum's commitment but also the spirit that inspired it. Arranged chronologically, the book covers ancient American and early and mid-American ceramics, the art pottery movement, and modern ceramics. Each chapter begins with a brief background of the period and proceeds with fully documented examples. The intent, however, is not merely to offer one museum's overview of the ceramic evolution but also to suggest that the strengths which powered the past and present will also power the future, leaving more chapters to be written.-- Lucy Breslin, Portland, Me. (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

CHOICE Review

This extensive catalog focuses on American ceramics from pre-Columbian through the utilitarian wares of the 19th century to today's often revolutionary artworks. To document 1,000 years of this art form, 800 pieces were selected from the Everson Museum of Art's collection to illustrate the chronological history. The size and clarity of the reproductions define well the details of each piece. The volume is divided into five periods of tradition and aesthetic changes, each introduced with an excellent essay by one of five ceramic scholars: Barbara Perry, W.C. Ketchum, Richard G. Case, Ulysses G. Dietz, and Garth Clarke. Among significant changes traced is the emergence in the 1930s of a distinctive US style that emphasized the spirit of the piece (rather than the technical perfection so important to the European ceramicists) and that led to the totally new, more agressive developments of the 1950s. Also traced is the innovative work by followers of oriental classicism as it moved into the 1980s with the avant-garde, funk style applied to traditional ware and ceramic sculpture. These changes are well documented with very good black-and-white and color prints, each giving complete description and a resume of the artist. Extensive bibliography and index of artists. An invaluable historical review of clay art in America. Recommended for all libraries. -M. Negoro, University of Connecticut