This is an advanced book, so I am not ready to use it, but it gave me lots to aspire to! I had no idea that there were so many techniques and types of firing.

This is a beautifully presented book with fabulous photographs. I am new to claywork and a newbie to firing, so this review comes from that perspective. I'm not sure that it is an indepth book on the subject, but it gives a clear introduction to kilns and methods of firing with an easy to read design. Probably a good book for beginners to kilns and firing.
I received a free digital copy via NetGalley, but the opinions expressed are my own.

Wow! Loads of info here. Too much for me, I am simply a beginner working with pottery. This book was great. Made me think about building a kiln, even tho I have my own electric one, which I don't know how to work. I will come back and buy this book when I get a little farther along. It certainly did give me enough information on making clay that I might try that.

This is a great introduction to various types of kilns and firing, especially if one is a bit clueless. I suspect it also could be an interesting for potters as well.

An excellent book for any potter to read, even if one doesn't do their own firing, this book gives a really fabulous insight into what happens to glazes and pots in a kiln, whether it is raku or conventional kiln. The information is very easy to understand, there is a gallery of fired works and how to build your own kiln and information on pit and raku firing. a real must for any potter.
Well written, good photos and good information

While a beautiful book, it was not for beginners at all and I was confused on a lot of the terminology. Any ceramicist that is already into using kilns and wants more ideas of using ones at home would enjoy this book.

Didnt know that there's so much to kilns. I know wood-fired pizza is a aspecialty, so should ceramics be. I saw a video of the train kiln. Its a work of art. This book details all the aspects of the kiln. I love it that the book starts with safety. I have never seen a ceramic juicer before. Liekd the communal part of involving the neighbors in the kiln making and later the neighbors comping up with different wood sources. I have never seen a paddle mixer for mixing the clay. Fire art section is novel too.

Reviewer: potter with many years of raku (gas) kiln and pit-firing experience. Looked forward to a concise, clear instruction for building kilns.
Did not start well: Between page 19 and 22, there seems to be some text missing. The content oddly jumps about, as if “oh, I’ve just remembered to say something about clay...”. From “Clay” to “Making cone packs” - not intelligible unless a seasoned potter (that does use cones) and then the info is redundant. Next jumping to cleaning (before even mentioning a firing). Again, seasoned potters would know how to clean a piece, but for novices, there is a good amount of info on that subject - might however put them off kiln-firing for good.
I’m afraid, it’s a DNF for me, abandoned on page 40, just skimmed the rest.
The whole book keeps oscillating from the very trivial to minute advanced detail and back again. Also, assuming knowledge and only then explaining the subject.
Does not know what her audience is.

Mastering Kilns and Firing: Raku, Pit and Barrel, Wood Firing, and More is a tutorial and pottery workshop reference with a stunning amount of indepth technical information for the potter. Released 22nd Oct 2019 by Quarto on their Quarry imprint, it's 192 pages and available in hardcover format.

It's a beautifully photographed book with an abundance of clear photos and illustrations of kilns, firing pieces, setups (including interior shots of kilns), and process shots. There are also gallery sections in full color with other artists scattered throughout the book with pieces that are quite literally jaw droppingly gorgeous. Amazing stuff.

The introductory sections (~16% of the content), includes a great overview of studio safety, gear, equipment, and supplies. The following chapters cover kiln construction and considerations (the best treatment of the subject I've seen), separate very in-depth technical chapters on raku, pit & barrel, and wood firing, and further technique explorations.

It also includes a recipes section along with templates for studio record-keeping and a good cross referenced index. This entire book is full of useful information aimed at the professional working potter. This would make a superlative workshop/instruction book or dream book for those who aspire to be professional potters. There was a great deal of accessible information here for hobbyists or craftspeople also. I learned a lot about the processes involved in kiln construction and use which I have never previously considered, along with process photos of creating clay and slip. I have only previously used the materials provided, but the recipes contained in the book make my fingers itch wanting to experiment.

Five stars. This is a very well done treatise. I believe this will become a classic staple of the professional potter's workshop library.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.