History Of The Staffordshire Potteries And The Rise And Process Of The Manufacture Of Pottery And Porcelain - With Preferences To Genuine Specimens And Notices Of Eminent Potters

by Simeon Shaw

About five miles North west, and five miles South east of Newcastle - Under - Lyme are the two extremities of that interesting and opulent district named The Potteries. Originally published in 1900 this is a fascinating read for any historian. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. We are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original artwork and text.

Genres: History

272 pages, Paperback

First published July 27, 2009

Reviews

[Janet Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something about reading a first-hand account of a place you think you know fairly well when it was written almost a hundred years ago. Not only that, the version I read was reissued in 1900 and comes with an introduction bringing us bang-up-to-date. Well, not that bang-up, but all the same the contrast between 1829 and 1900 is staggering and certainly gets us ready for what’s about to follow. And what follows is very informative.

Forget the 19th century preambles, patron-flatting and some archaic use of vocabulary and grammar and just enjoy the discovery. Because that’s what Simeon Shaw delivers.

It’s a trip through the Six Towns and many of their associated villages and hamlets with their manufactories and markets, mansions and tenements, churches and schools, canals and turnpikes and along the way he introduces us to all the different people that live and work in them.

But it doesn’t end there. Shaw knows his onions and has much to say about the ancient origins and workings of the potteries and the potter’s art - historically and scientifically. I learned a lot. And I certainly enjoyed it.

[Hon Lady Selene [on a hiatus] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once upon a time, there were the six towns Burslem, Fenton, Hanley, Longton, Tunstall and Stoke, home of companies such as Burleigh, Wedgwood, Spode, Royal Doulton, Royal Worcester. And they created Art.

Have learnt of the superb Aynsley China, a favourite amongst the Royal Family.

[Marva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed getting to know my ancestor better who is the author of this book, Simeon Shaw. He writes with really long sentences like I do sometimes. And he uses phrases more common during his time (1800's) than are common now. I could tell he believes in the Bible; at times he seemed to have a dry sense of humor.
This book is non-fiction; I feel like I learned more about the making of pottery than I knew before. However, I don't know enough technical terms to always know exactly what he was describing.