This is a book which offers an overview of ceramics, from the beginnings in antiquity to the present day. It aims to identify the major traditions and styles by illustrating key examples. Each chapter describes one of the principal ceramic traditions of the world, such as the classic pots of the ancient Mediterranean world, the delicacy of Chinese porcelain, the high sophistication of Japanese pottery, the colourful glazes of Islamic craftsmanship, the brilliance of Meissen and Sevres, the Arts and Crafts revival and today's creative individualists. The author has worked at Christie's, both in the Department of European Ceramics and the Chinese Department. He now deals privately in ceramics.