""Mastering Raku" is a hands-on, technique-based guide to making the type of ceramic ware that has come to be known as raku in the West. ... The (first) few chapters of the book guide those who are new to raku through the process. ... For readers with some experience in basic raku firing, Branfman offers chapters on advanced firing techniques, related techniques for use with raku (including slip resist and horsehair raku), and teaching raku in school, workshop, and group firing situations. Where appropriate, these chapters also have photographs that help explain the step-by-step processes. Over 50 artists' works are featured in the book ... a gallery of contemporary raku-fired work by different artists working in both sculptural and vessel oriented traditions is included at the end of the book, while numerous images of both contemporary and historical work can be found in each chapter. There are appendices with clay and glaze recipes, including simple frit and colorant oxide combinatio

Steven Branfman enjoys an international reputation as a potter, writer, teacher and businessman. In 1977 he founded The Potters Shop and School, which has become a well known school, gallery, bookstore and artist's workspace in America. He is the author of two other books and writes frequently for craft and pottery magazines.