This is a comprehensive overview to decorative tiles from all over the world, tracing the rich tradition of sumptuous tiles in their varied designs. The author deals extensively with various manufacturing and decorating processes, as well as the most significant designers and potteries in Britain, on the Continent and in the United States. He also provides advice on collecting tiles. The introduction takes one back to the making of tiles in the days of Ramses III in ancient Egypt, Chapter two deals with the making of tiles, with a particularly graphic illustration of 18th century tile production, with the picture illustrated a copy of a tile picture, dated 1737, in Amsterdam, showing a Friesland pottery, divided into three floors--very intriguing. There are chapters on The Tiles of Islam, Byzantine and Medieval Tiles, Early European Tin Glazing, Dutch Tiles, English Delftware, Later Tin Glazing in Europe and America, Tiles of the Victorian Period, Tiles of the 20th Century, and Collecting Tiles. A fabulous book. 128 pages with bibliography and index. 11.2 x 8.75 inches. Quantum Book/Grange Books Plc, Kent, UK 1998