This profusely illustrated guide to glass is as much for the amateur enthusiast as the serious collector. Written by a team of experts, each of them a specialist in his or her particular field, this book tells the story of all the major developments in the history of glass from its beginnings in Pre-Roman times, when the first glass industry making small core-formed or cast vessels was established in western Asia in the middle of the third millennium BC. The major styles of glass and the techniques used to make it are traced from this early period through the Roman era and the Dark Ages, into medieval times, when not only vessel glass in great variety was made but there was also a flowering of stained glass for ecclesiastical windows, resulting in the magnificent works at such cathedrals as Chartres and Sens. The effects of different cultures on glass styles, from the Franks in northern Europe to the Byzantine and Islamic Empires of the East, are described, as is the rise of Venice as the pre-eminent glass-making centre during the Renaissance and its subsequent influence on the rest of the glass industry during the next five centuries. The development of the heavier lead glass in the eighteenth century gradually superseded the fragile cristallo of the Venetians and paved the way for new styles of decoration on glass, including cutting and engraving which flourished during the nineteenth century, a period of great innovation and enormous technological advances. The fashion for Art Nouveau at the end of the century heralded the modern era, and the twentieth century was to favor functionalism and simplicity in decorative glass, both in Europe and America, while the use of glass in architecture and industry has become more and more widespread with the development of new techniques. 
The authoritative, clearly written text, and more than 275 color and 50 black and white photographs, make this book a visually exciting presentation of all kinds of glassware (including some rarely photographed pieces) as well as an invaluable work of reference for all students and lovers of the decorative arts.

23cm x 30cm, 288 pages, Hardcover, 1989 (Condition: As New / Fine)

Condition Definition:
As New / Fine = New or almost without defect
Very Good = Showing signs of wear
Good / Fair = A bit worn but complete, with defects noted
Poor = worn with visible defects