Pictures dominate A Visual Survey of Craft History: Global Traditions and Technological Innovations in Clay, Fiber, Glass, Metal, and Wood, a free eBook that focusses on when
and how craft techniques developed and evolved around the world. It was divided onto seven volumes because the numerous high-resolution photographs made the document very large.
Each volume includes a glossary and bibliography.
Please click on the cover or link below each volume to download the free eBook or the link below them for the PDF. If your device needs an app to read eBooks,
Calibre is a free downloadable eBook reader. The flowable eBook text accommodates all screen widths and the eBook photographs enlarge by
clicking on them, but the PDF's are static. These volumes are occasionally replaced with updated versions. Most recent update: January 2026.
Many museums freely share their photographs for non-commercial, educational purposes if a credit line and link to their page are included in the caption.
This is good because clicking on the helpful museum links usually leads to larger photos, in depth information, and similar pieces.
The requirements for using the author's photos are the same; no permission is required for non-commercial, educational purposes if Carol's name and a link to this web page are included.
REVIEW:
This is a very valuable resource for art historians and studio faculty. It explores methods of manufacture of crafts produced throughout
the ages and worldwide by presenting comparable techniques used by modern crafts people.
Methods of manufacture of pieces produced worldwide and throughout history are suggested and
illustrated with representative examples, and then supported with comparable processes used by contemporary craftsmen. Extensive illustrations of
representative pieces exhibiting different methods of manufacture from culturally and historically
diverse crafts people are provided, along with lavish photographic documentation of contemporary crafts people using comparable
means of production. Each volume also has verbal descriptions of technical processes, a glossary of terms and an extensive bibliography, all ready to use in the classroom.
These volumes challenge both art historians and studio practitioners to question and solve questions about how historical pieces were produced.
Frances Van Keuren, Professor Emerita of Ancient Art History, Lamar Dodd School of Art, University of Georgia, Jan 27, 2026
Crafts and their history are Dr. Carol Ventura's passion. She not only investigates and documents them, but is also an accomplished photographer and clay, fiber, glass, metal, and wood craftsperson.
In addition to art history, Carol also taught craft history at Tennessee Technological University until her retirement in 2021. This book grew out of those classes. Carol hopes it will increase
appreciation for the talented craftspeople of all times and places whose legacy and dedication continue to enhance our lives.
She especially hopes that teachers will use all or part of this visual survey in their own classes.
Please look at Carol's home page to see more of her craft research. Carol would really appreciate it if you would email suggestions, additions, comments, and corrections to her at cventura@tntech.edu.
This page was created by the late Andrzej Gutek in 2014. Carol Ventura added her Craft History book in 2025.
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