Rookwood Pottery was probably the most famous company making art pottery in the United States in the late 19th century into the 20th century, achieving an international reputation and consistently promoting artistic innovation. Proud that the pottery was an artists studio, not a factory, Rookwood Pottery is known for its exceptionally fine glazes and successful experimental designs. By assimilating the strengths of myriad aesthetic movements from the American Art Pottery Movement to Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Rookwood Pottery encouraged decorators to try unusual subjects and to explore new techniques. Pioneering artist Maria Longworth-Nichols founded the Cincinnati, Ohio, studio in 1880, building the business and laying the foundation for what Rookwood is today, a world-renowned artisanal ceramics company, operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley. From New Yorks Grand Central Station to the Louvre in Paris, contemporary boutique hotels to historic homes, Rookwood has truly made its mark on the world in the past three centuries. Published to coincide with the companys 140th anniversary, Rookwood: The Rediscovery and Revival of an American Icon, An Illustrated History, authored by Bob Batchelor (Rockport Publishers), on sale Sept. 15, hardcover, $45, is a beautiful, collectible, fully illustrated volume telling the rich story of the female-founded, female-owned great American art pottery company. In Rookwood, author and historian Bob Batchelor tells the compelling story of this artisanal ceramics company, still operating in the heart of the Ohio River Valley from its founding to present day. Filled with behind-the-scenes artist and creator interviews, stories of Rookwoods avid collectors, as well as never-before-seen images and documents from the companys historic archives, the reader will see why Rookwood remains a pillar of true craftsmanship.