By David Whitehouse

This beautifully illustrated book presents 595 objects and fragments that were made in the Islamic world from the eighth to the 11th centuries. Each entry consists of a color photograph and a detailed description, usually accompanied by a comment on the history and significance of the object and by a listing of similar pieces in other collections. Most of the pieces presented here were in the collection of Ray Winfield Smith, who acquired an extensive assortment of fragments and display pieces.

430 Pages; Hardcover

Published in 2010 by The Corning Museum of Glass/Hudson Hills Press

By Karol B. Wight

Some of the most astounding antiquities to have come down to us from the ancient Mediterranean are pieces made of glass. Not only are they beautiful with marvelous colors and fanciful shapes, but these fragile items have somehow survived the millennia. This book, by Karol B. Wight, the executive director of The Corning Museum of Glass, describes the uses of glass and glassmaking in the ancient world, from its origins in Mesopotamia and Egypt to developments in the late Roman Empire. It also traces the development of various techniques, including casting, core-forming, mosaic, and glass blowing, with illustrations showing how the ancients formed each kind of vessel. "Molten Color" is generously illustrated with stunning photos of ancient pieces in wondrous color.

136 Pages; Softcover

Published in 2011 by the J. Paul Getty Museum