Brothers in Clay: The Story of Georgia Folk Pottery

Abundantly illustrated, Brothers in Clay tells the story of Georgia's rich folk pottery tradition--the historical forces that shaped it and the families and individual artisans who continue to keep it alive. This pioneering book marked the first intensive study of a southern state's pottery heritage and the first major examination of a native Georgia art form. Drawing on interviews with practicing potters, John A. Burrison ranges widely in his coverage, providing discussions of the folk potters' contributions to Georgia life and their place in southern society; detailed explanations of turning, glazing, and firing processes; and histories of the state's eight major pottery-producing centers, including genealogies of the potting families and the distinctive characteristics of their wares.

Burrison's new preface summarizes the past decade of southern folk pottery, including archaeological discoveries, museum exhibits, the appearance of important new books, and the deaths of such iconic figures as Lanier Meaders.

"Beautifully designed, well written and illustrated, and comprehensive in scope, Brothers in Clay should stand for years to come as the definitive volume on Georgia's exciting and diverse pottery traditions. It also sets a standard for state surveys that future studies will have to work hard to equal."--Journal of American Folklore

"Remarkably complete in its coverage . . . Burrison combines interviews with historic evidence to write a flowing narrative spiced with brilliant photographs and effective illustrations.”--Choice

"A fascinating book—a sort of living history . . . This book is a fitting tribute to the Georgia folk pottery movement.”--Christian Science Monitor

"The first extensive study of a once-prominent part of the state's culture."--Atlanta Journal-Constitution

"Burrison's beautiful book . . . [is] more than an ordinary history; it is a complete study in folklife and material culture."--Western Folklore

"[An] exhaustive study of Georgia's pottery dynasties."--Southern Living

"Combines the popular appeal of a Foxfire volume with the painstaking academic care of the scholarly monograph."--Southern Exposure

"A pioneering work . . . Burrison has provided a remarkably rich and full homage to some 400 Georgia potters. Above all, he has delineated a true, living craft."--Material Culture

John A. Burrison is a professor of English and director of the folklore curriculum at Georgia State University. His other books include Storytellers: Folktales and Legends from the South and Shaping Traditions: Folk Art in a Changing South (both Georgia).