John Burton Glass Philosophy and Method 1967 Bonanza Books Hardcover

John Burton Glass Philosophy and Method 1967 Bonanza Books Hardcover Experience the masterful work of celebrated glass artist and author John Burton in this authentic 1967 edition of Glass: Philosophy and Method, published by Bonanza Books as a division of Crown Publishers. This hardcover stands as a cornerstone in the literature of glass art, authored by a true pioneer who blended personal philosophy with hands-on techniques that continue to influence creators worldwide. Burton's name carries weight in the glass community for his innovative approaches developed through years of experimentation and travel. From the opening pages, Burton invites readers into his world with an initiation into the properties of glass, its rich early history, and his relentless search for improved methods. He shares creative philosophy drawn from his training as a metallurgist and his time studying at renowned European glasshouses. Adventures in Holland, England, and Denmark reveal encounters with old masters and the evolution of his own torch-based techniques that replaced cumbersome foot bellows with hotter, more controllable flames using oxygen. The practical core of the book delivers step-by-step guidance on essential skills. Learn to make colored snake thread by adding metallic oxides like cobalt for blue, copper for red, and chromium for green to molten glass. Detailed experiments cover beads, cravettes, elegant goblets, cigarette holders that double as candle stands, spark lamps, muddlers, complex sculptures, bottles, carafes, and whimsical floating bubbles. Touch pieces demonstrate how gravity, marver, and tools can shape simple glass blobs into organic forms. Black-and-white photographs showcase breathtaking examples including Kosta glass whales and ancient Egyptian bottles with intricate patterns. Burton's author's note captures the soul of the book: it is about people and glass first, with glass as servant to human imagination. He quotes Samuel Johnson on the miracle of sand transformed by heat into transparent beauty and encourages every reader to awaken their inner artist. The volume concludes with an epilogue of thoughts for creative minds, bibliography, and index for easy reference. Condition Disclosure This well-preserved 1967 hardcover presents in good vintage condition. The deep blue cloth cover displays characteristic age stains and discoloration from decades of use, while the white spine and edges show honest wear and soiling. Pages throughout exhibit natural yellowing with occasional spotting and minor water marks, yet all text, diagrams, and photographs remain sharp and fully readable. The binding holds firmly with no detached pages or sections. Standard large-format size for instructional art books of the period provides comfortable reading and display. Collectors and practitioners alike treasure this John Burton title for its authentic voice and timeless methods that predate many modern tools yet remain relevant. The personal stories and European glasshouse insights add depth missing from contemporary how-to guides. Whether expanding your studio library or beginning a serious glass practice, this Bonanza edition delivers professional-grade instruction wrapped in mid-century charm. Owning John Burton's Glass Philosophy and Method connects you directly to a legacy of creativity and craftsmanship. The detailed illustrations and real-world experiments empower you to replicate techniques that produce museum-quality results. This is the definitive vintage resource for anyone serious about glass as both art and craft.

 _gsrx_vers_1736 (GS 9.9.5 (1736))

Item specifics

Used - Good — Vintage 1967 hardcover with age-appropriate wear. Cover shows stains and discoloration, edges and spine are worn and soiled, pages are yellowed with some spotting and minor water stains visible inside, but all pages are present and binding remains intact and functional. — Defects: ['Stains and discoloration on blue cover and white edges', 'Worn and soiled spine and corners', 'Yellowed pages throughout with age spotting', 'Minor water stains and smudges on some interior pages', 'General edge wear consistent with 50+ years of use']

Offered by Gosla Antiques & Collectibles, purveyors of antiquities, curiosities and collectible wares. Dispatched from Pennsylvania, United States, with tracking.