Kilns Design, Construction and Operation

1974. Reprint (sixth printing). [x], 241pp. and 203 black and white illustrations. Daniel Rhodes (1911-1989) was an American artist, known as a ceramic artist, muralist, sculptor and an authority on studio pottery. 'Without a knowledge of the action of fire, the potter's craft would not exist,' and it is that action which he explores and explicates in 'Kilns.' In writing this book, Rhodes has drawn upon his own understanding of firing processes, as well as information which he has gathered from sources throughout the world. The first section of the book traces the development of individual kilns, stressing their firing principles and their strengths and weaknesses. He then moves on to the evolution of kilns in China, Korea, and Japan, and then discusses the history and growth of Europeans kilns. The principles and methods involved in kiln design and construction receive a thorough and authoritative treatment. The information which applies to the structure and size of any kiln, be it gas-fired, oil-fired, wood burning, or electric, up draft or downdraft, is the basis for discussion of methods and procedures required by specific kilns. One section is totally devoted to kiln operation. Many original kiln designs, accompanied by step-by-step instructions and diagrams, aids those who wish to build a kiln. The book is illustrated throughout with numerous drawings, diagrams, tables, and photographs. The book is bound in the original yellow-brown cloth covered boards with black and red titling on the spine. The case of the book is in very good condition with some damp spotting on the front edge of the spine and top edge of the front board. The spine ends and top corners are lightly bumped. The contents are tight and clean with foxing on the top and fore edges of the text block and some light foxing on the endpapers. There is no inscription. The book smells a little musty. The unclipped dustwrapper has shelf wear with light soiling and the spine is slightly faded. The top corners are bumped and there is lighter bumping to the spine ends.…