Book excerpt: All lovers of British history and ceramics enthusiasts will want to own the first comprehensive collectors' reference book devoted exclusively to early 19th century enamel painted figures made in the Staffordshire potteries. In this lavish volume, over 400 superb color photographs of figures from museums and private collections serve as time capsules. Along with a meticuously researched text, they reveal astonishing information about life almost two centuries ago. The book also explores and illustrates design sources used for the figures and divulges a wealth of information for collectors.