Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

Finally, a review by someone who HAS read the book! And, I too own a copy of Brad Walker's book, which is excellent, as well. But his "fan club" seems to want to ward you off from buying a fantastic book, just because their titles are close!?! Give me a break! This book, not only covers all the methods of working in warm glass, but it does so in a straightforward, step-by-step manner, supplemented by helpful photograpic illustrations. When it says it is a complete guide, it IS complete. It is chock full of info on materials and tools, all technical procedures, as well as, a complete history of glass, starting with early myths and legends, leading up to contemporary design and sculpture. I particularly appreciated the section on the nature of glass, which covers its physical and chemical properties. Finally, it is a hardcover book with hundreds of beautiful color illustrations, and the design layout is very appealing. Of course its content overlaps other books on the topic. Within any art/craft book this happens. No need to burn the authors at the stake! But if I had to choose one book above the rest, "Warm Glass" would be it! It has everything that is covered in all the other intro books I've read so far, including "Contemporary Warm Glass", and much MORE!!! Addendum 1/13/11: I originally wrote my review when numbers of reviewers were bashing this book, and it seemed unfair to me. I hope no one has taken offense as the result of my review, especially Brad Walker, who I now consider a friend. I wrote this review when I was starting kilnforming. I still love this book, and think it is a great deal for the price. But now I understand why the price is so good...it's published by a large publishing company. Books like Brad's Contemporary Warm Glass, and his latest revision, Contemporary Fused Glass, are more costly because they are self published... many glass artists do that. I also want it to be clear that I think both books should be on every kilnformer's shelves... there is valuable information to be found in both books! Lear from both!