This stunning visual guide to ceramic art and production across all cultures and periods is an invaluable resource for students, collectors 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.