Book Store

Priority mail shipping is a flat rate of $8.95, regardless of quantity.

Our landmark Fall 2023 auction features numerous new discoveries and other objects worthy of the highest level of museums and collections. Featuring hundreds of lots presented in full color, our acclaimed auction catalogs make great references on period American ceramics. Pre-order your copy today and have it shipped to you as soon as it's back from the printer, late October.

Presented here for the first time in two centuries is the lost story of New York City potter Thomas W. Commeraw, a key early African-American figure whose identity slipped through the fingers of history. Rediscovered by the author in the first years of this century, Commeraw stands as one of the most fascinating of all historic American decorative artists: an abolitionist, activist, highly influential craftsman and, ultimately, the hopeful founder of a new African republic. Hardbound with cloth cover and dust jacket. 311 pages. 589 images. 8 1/2" x 11".

Topics include:

• Commeraw's fascinating life story, from childhood to death.
• A comprehensive discussion and illustration of Commeraw's pottery, made from the mid-1790's to late 1810's.
• Commeraw's abolitionism, political activism and role as an important local free black figure.
• A thorough history of New York City stoneware.
• An in-depth breakdown of the work of other New York City stoneware manufacturers, including Clarkson Crolius, Sr.; John Remmey III; and David Morgan.
• Commeraw's harrowing experiences on the west coast of Africa.