In this work on black basalts the author has found much original and fascinating to say, since a great deal of fresh material has come to light and further research carried out over the years. The prominence of Josiah Wedgwood, as the developer of the material, and his refinements in ornament and marketing skills, ensured his factory was the market leader in the days when basalt was at its most fashionable, towards the latter part of the 18th and the early 19th century. But over 170 other factories are noted here as makers of the ware, and the author gives much new information on the histories and products in all their diversity, with many illustrations hitherto unpublished. Diana Edwards also examines the historical antecedents of English Black Basalt, unmarked and unidentified wares, and Continental and foreign Blackware manufacturers. The book is aimed at ceramic historians, collectors, curators, dealers and should be useful as a reference work in libraries.
