"Clear as Mud is one of those unexpected and refreshing books that pop up now and again, to meet a need. ... Early 20th century manufacturers like Waco, Cornelison, Selden, Cherokee and Kenton Hills have largely faded from public memory but here have been revived in a slim book filled with luscious color photographs that quickly tell the story of the beauty, simplicity and sophistication of this local craft art." – The Rev. Alfred R. Shands III, The Courier-Journal, 12 March 2011. Shands is a co-founder of the Kentucky Museum of Art and Craft and has served on the boards of the Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum, the American Craft Council, the National Gallery and the American Craft Museum.
“For its lovely photographs, laudable collectors’ perspective, and quality of information, Clear as Mud is a publication to be celebrated. Strongly recommended for all art and decorative art research libraries, academic libraries that support ceramics, and for museum libraries that collect American pottery, the book well serves curators, collectors, and researchers of the period.” – Karyn Hinkle, Art Libraries Society of North America Reviews, January/February 2011.
"From the clever title to the accessible organization (love 'The bottom line' for each chapter) and personal touch of the short collectors' personal blurbs – and of course the truly fine and sensitive photos ... the book is a masterpiece!" – Rachel Perry, author, art historian and curator, February 2011.
“Your book is stunning ... Each story is captivating, and the photos really great.” – Artist, writer Nana Lampton, July 2010.
"Handsomely printed ... excellent photography and design." – Tom Eblen, The Lexington Herald-Leader, 4 July 2010.
“Much of the research provided has never been in print before ... Each author shares information in a very engaging manner making the book a pleasant and enjoyable read ... Clear as Mud is a definite ‘must-have’ ... for collectors of Kentucky pottery.” – Guthrie Zaring, Kentucky Collectors newsletter, summer 2010.
"This is the kind of reference book the antiques industry needs. Collectors and dealers both will benefit from it. The information is a godsend. And the book's design is rather refreshing. ... You could put this one on the coffee table. But it really belongs in your hands." – Don Johnson, "The Book Report," Antique Week, 23 Aug. 2010.
"Whether you are a collector or just curious about those colorful pots that you have seen sitting around all your life, Clear as Mud is a quick, interesting read that just might clear up some confusion about one of Kentucky's proud artistic traditions."– Tom Eblen, The Lexington Herald-Leader, 4 July 2010.
"Clear as Mud ... is a look at Kentucky art pottery that may bring out the curious collector in us all." – Parthena Bartley, Kentucky Monthly, November 2010.
“The book is beautiful.” – Margaret Layton, curator-dealer-collector, July 2010.
"The ceramics of early 20th century American art pottery, a subcategory of the Arts and Crafts movement, are popular collectibles. ... Looking at the wares in the gorgeous photographs makes me think I'll be branching out to Kentucky art pottery in the near future." – Jo Anne Triplett, LEO Weekly newspaper, 18 Aug. 2010.
"The book ... should inspire further research." – Maine Antique Digest, December 2010.