Book excerpt: This magnificent work is a summary of 35 years experience as a sculpture caster. An illuminating text combines with 646 color photographs and 78 line drawings of the lost wax (cire perdu) and modern variant of sand casting processes involved in forming metal sculpture, as well as contemporary and historic examples.Metal finishing processes are explored in detail, including an unprecedented 177 patination recipes and working practices. An important addition to libraries of art schools and universities as well as professional and amateur sculptors.