In the introduction Geoffrey Godden gives basic guidelines to help date ceramics with a fair degree of accuracy and also tells you how to spot likely fakes. This is followed by a pictorial glossary of the different types of British ceramics produced from the 17th century onwards.

The body of the book is an alphabetical listing of the main collectable pottery and porcelain marks with concise descriptions and illustrations of the various marks employed by each manufacturer at different times. The list of Potters' Initial Marks and chronological listing of Registered Designs which complete the book are intended to help the reader understand some of the more obscure markings that are sometimes found on ceramics.

Before using this book in the field, familiarise yourself with how it works by checking out the china cupboard at home--who knows what treasures you will uncover? --Stephanie Donaldson