The Glasmuseum Hentrich in Dusseldorf’s Museum Kunst Palast, one of the world’s most wide-ranging glass collection, is the basis for this generously illustrated exploration of glass art from prehistory to the present, written by the collection’s longtime director, Helmut Ricke. Glass was the first man-made material, and nearly every civilization made use of its flexibility, resilience, and variety. Brimming with colorful images from the collection as well as maps and drawings, this book covers all periods of glassmaking from pre-Roman, Roman, Islamic, Mediaeval, Renaissance and Baroque times, the 19th century and up to the 1990s. It includes stunning examples of enameled and cut glass, as well as elaborate works from Persia, India and China, all of which influenced the Art Noveau period, widely considered the heyday of decorative glass. A detailed appendix provides background information on the mechanics of glass, including smelting, refining, and manufacturing. A valuable resource for anyone interested in this ancient medium, this magnificent catalog highlights a world-famous collection of glass art.