The Life Of Josiah Wedgwood From his Private Correspondence & Family Papers
With An Introductory Sketch by Eliza Meteyard
Published by Hurst And Blackett Publishers: London
Volume 1 Published in 1865
Volume 2 Pubished in 1866
Complete 2 Volume Set
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Josiah Wedgwood FRS (12 July 1730 - 3 January 1795) was an English potter, entrepreneur and abolitionist. Founding the Wedgwood company in 1759, he developed improved pottery bodies by systematic experimentation, and was the leader in the industrialisation of the manufacture of European pottery.
The Life of Josiah Wedgwood from his Private Correspondence & Family Papers, with an introductory sketch by Eliza Meteyard, is a richly detailed biography that traces the remarkable career of Josiah Wedgwood, the celebrated English potter and founder of the Wedgwood company. Drawing from his personal letters and family papers, the work provides an intimate portrait of Wedgwood's character, ambitions, and struggles, as well as his groundbreaking contributions to the ceramic arts. It highlights his inventive spirit, his mastery of both artistic and scientific principles, and his determination to elevate pottery from a utilitarian craft into a respected art form.
The book also situates Wedgwood within the broader cultural and industrial transformations of eighteenth-century England. It portrays him not only as a craftsman and entrepreneur but also as a thinker who engaged with leading figures of his time, including members of the Lunar Society. Through Meteyard's careful use of correspondence, readers gain insight into Wedgwood's personal life, his perseverance despite ill health, and his legacy as a key figure in the Industrial Revolution whose influence extended far beyond the world of ceramics."
General wear and fading to covers and spines as shown with a small section of the label missing on the spine of volume 2. Pages very clean and bright with only light foxing to the prelims of volume 2. Binding is very good with no loose pages and all plates present. No inscriptions. Very condition overall. Please study photos to understand condition. Happy to provide more photos on request.
Size 23cm x 16cm x 5cm (approx width x 2 volumes)