BIBLIOGRAPHY
Greenberg, Jan & Jordan, Sandra. 2013. The Mad Potter: George E. Ohr, Eccentric Genius. New York, NY: Roaring Book Press. ISBN 9781596438101
PLOT SUMMARY
George Ohr’s genius and true love for pottery wasn’t discovered until 1967, years after his death.
George grew up in the civil war era amidst political unrest in Biloxi, Mississippi. At 22, he was introduced to the pottery wheel and the attraction was instantaneous. "When I found the potter's wheel I felt it all over like a duck in water."
Soon thereafter, he began expressing his creativity through ceramic sculptures and strangely crafted pots. Before long, he had thousands of creations completed. Despite taking them to fairs and art shows, no one was buying his oddities. He retired, and hid hundreds of his ceramics along with it.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Greenberg and Jordan do an excellent job describing this robust character through quotes and plentiful color photos of his creations. They use archival type sepia photos across two page spreads showing Ohr in his studio amidst piles of his work. The authors also include a “How to Look at a Pot” guide for readers to better understand the different decorative elements of a piece of pottery and serves as a fascinating introduction to the art of pottery.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
Sibert Honor Book
"Eccentric" is an apt word for Ohr, a Mississippi blacksmith's son (18571918) who reinvented himself as a potter. Greenberg and Jordan have produced a magisterial portrait that's both a character study and an appreciation of their subject's oeuvre. Precise, vividly descriptive language; excellent, scrupulously sourced photos; and useful back matter all contribute to this eye-opening biography. - Horn Book Guide, 2014
CONNECTIONS
Students can use this book as part of a biography unit and identify the lasting impact or legacy of George Ohr. It would be a fun extension activity to allow them a chance to try their hand at pottery.
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