This work investigates the historical development, regional distribution, and technical evolution of pottery production in New England from the colonial era through the nineteenth century. Lura Woodside Watkins, a respected authority on American decorative arts, utilizes extensive archival research, probate records, and physical examination of surviving ceramic artifacts to document the industry. The text provides a comprehensive framework for identifying regional styles, kiln practices, and the economic conditions that shaped the lives of early American potters.

This text is regarded as a foundational reference for collectors and historians interested in the material culture of early American life. Its meticulous documentation of regional kiln sites and production techniques remains a standard resource for identifying and dating historical ceramic pieces.