Pottery Analysis: A Sourcebook - Softcover

Rice, Prudence M.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0226711161 ISBN 13: 9780226711164

Publisher: University of Chicago Press, 2006

Synopsis

A rich and comprehensive sourcebook, PotteryAnalysis draws together diverse approaches to the study of pottery—archaeological, ethnographic, stylistic, functional, and physicochemical. Prudence M. Rice uses pottery as a starting point for insights into people and culture and examines in detail the methods for studying these fired clay vessels that have been used worldwide from prehistoric times to the present. Pottery Analysis is a classic in its field as well as an invaluable reference for all students of archaeology and ancient culture.

About this title

About the Author

Prudence M. Rice is professor of anthropology, associate vice chancellor for research, and director of the research development office at Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Review

“This is a masterly, thorough, and commendable book. The author deserves our admiration and gratitude. . . . In Pottery Analysis, Prudence Rice has demonstrated that she is completely on top of her subject.” (D. P. S. Peacock American Journal of Archaeology)

“An important book which every archaeologist interested in ceramics will consult as a reference again and again.” (Dean E. Arnold Antiquity)

“This review does little justice to the richness of the Pottery Analysis and the considerable erudition of the author, demonstrated by her sixty-page bibliography. Rice has complete mastery of her subject; and if she has conceived the book from an anthropological perspective, it is also true, as she herself emphasizes, that ceramic engineers, chemists, physicists, and geologists will find it useful as well. . . . One can find the answer to any question with the help of its glossery and detailed index. This magisterial work represents the cutting edge of research and provides a guide to the best sources.” (Claude Lévi-Strauss L’Homme)

“An indispensable explanatory source book for all students of ceramics, especially archaeologists and anthropologists. . . . It breaks new ground. New in the sense that no other ceramicist has attempted such a compilation and blend of technological and social aspects in ceramic studies, both ancient and modern. New also in the emphasis on building a framework for understanding pottery vessels, from the raw materials to the use of the fired products in a particular social milieu. . . . For this reviewer, Rice’s presentation of the complex tapestry of factors affecting the potter’s choice of raw materials and how they may be manipulated is one of the most important features of the book.”

(William D. Glanzman Archeomaterials)

“Although it is of special interest to archaeologists, Rice’s compendium is also directed toward a wider audience, including social, physical, and materials scientists. Her broad work provides both an introduction to the topic and an exceedingly valuable asset to the most advanced researcher. . . . The superb 262-item glossary, 1,003 references, and 16-page detailed index are especially useful. Rice’s excellent volume is a true sourcebook and will serve as the standard for many years to come.”

(Charles C. Kolb American Scientist)

“Rice has produced a magnificent synthesis that belongs on every archeologist’s shelf. It is also an excellent textbook for students. I would not be surprised if, 30 years from now, it still holds its ground as the principal reference work on pottery.”

(Vincas P. Steponaitis American Anthropologist)

"Pottery Analysis may be the most up-to-date synthesis of current research on pottery as a broader field and, as such, continues to be cited in new pottery studies. . . . Many archaeologists will certainly want to have access to Price's book for its extensive treatment of both technical and anthropological issues related to pottery." (Ralph Hawkins Near East Archaeological Society Bulletin)

Edition details

• Publisher: University of Chicago Press
• Publication date: 2006
• ISBN 10: 0226711161
• ISBN 13: 9780226711164
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 584