This comprehensive reference work explores the history, manufacture and artistic development of glass from antiquity to the modern era. The book is divided into two principal sections. The opening chapters explain the origins of glassmaking, the chemistry of glass, production techniques, decorative methods and the identification of different glass types. The historical survey then traces the development of glass through Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, the Roman Empire, Byzantium, the Islamic world and medieval Europe before examining the major centres of production in Venice, Spain, Portugal, Bohemia, Germany, the Netherlands, England, France, Scandinavia, Russia and the United States. Separate chapters discuss stained glass, engraved and cut glass, engraved crystal, pressed glass, Art Nouveau, Art Deco and the International Studio Glass movement. The book concludes with an extensive bibliography, glossary and index, making it both a scholarly reference work and an accessible introduction to the history, technology and artistic significance of glass. (AI-generated content description)