This is the third of my e-books (or online resources) published by The Corning Museum of Glass. (My earlier publications are The Techniques of Renaissance Venetian Glassworking and The Techniques of Renaissance Venetian-Style Glassworking). Consistent with those earlier e-books, at the top right, there is a link to a visual “menu” of the 52 key historical objects that are the subjects of greatest focus. Clicking on a thumbnail image takes the reader to that object’s “landing page.” There, alternative photographic views and 360-degree in-the-round images (for some of the objects) are offered, as is basic information, such as the object’s dimensions and provenance.
Also from the landing page, it is easy to access my video reconstructions of the process that I believe was used to make the original, historical object. Most of the videos show the complete process, while others show excerpts of relevant specialized procedures. This distinction should be made clear by the icons (for full-length videos) and (for short videos).
Although the medium of publication is decidedly contemporary, the organization of the material within is traditional. Following an introductory essay and this ‘How to Use’ section, the core material is presented in seven chapters. Next, there is a visual index of objects. Concluding the publication are the bibliography and acknowledgments.
The introductory section is intended to explain the purpose of this work, to describe its scope, and to make clear how the research was carried out. Of the seven chapters, the first is unique in that it is intended to give a broad view of Roman-period glassblowing practice and its likely origin from a scientific, technical, and historical perspective. Thereafter, the chapters focus, almost exclusively, on the processes of manufacture—undoubtedly the most important information contained in this e-book.
Each subsequent chapter, 2–7, centers around a specific group of forms for different functions, such as tumblers, bowls, and dishes. The progression of objects, both within each chapter and from one chapter to the next, reflects increasing complexity and difficulty. In this way, the publication can be used as a tutorial for an aspiring student of historical glassblowing.
Finally, the material has been carefully organized to be a user-friendly reference work. However, as in conventional printed books, it has also been created to make sense and to be interesting and enjoyable when read—and viewed—from beginning to end.