The development of pottery as a vital cottage industry in Pennsylvania from its earliest colonial days through the turn of the 20th century. This book examines the lives and work of the men and women who shaped clay into essential and artistic forms, from everyday tableware to decorative pieces. Drawing upon original sources like census data, tax lists, advertisements, and family records, it reconstructs the history of pottery production in the Province and Commonwealth of Pennsylvania between 1660 and 1900.

This historical account of Pennsylvania potters is likely to be of significant interest to scholars of American craft history, material culture, and early American industry. The reliance on primary source documents suggests a detailed and authoritative presentation of the subject matter. The book's focus on a specific trade within a defined geographical and temporal scope indicates a deep dive into the lives and practices of its artisans. It offers a valuable resource for understanding the evolution of a key cottage industry.