The Drama of Glass

A lively historical survey recounts legendary and scientific accounts of glassmaking, its presence in ancient societies, and the rise of major production centers such as Venice and Bohemia. The narrative blends anecdote and technical observation to show how techniques and materials spread to England and the United States, how monopolies and secrets shaped commerce, and how manufacture moved from simple bottles and beads to refined decorative and cut glass. Attention to artisanship, industrial development, and public exhibitions ties cultural context to technological change, culminating in the modern industry’s artistic achievements and display at international fairs.