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Stained Glass Books

books about stained and leaded glass

We started our own journey into the world of glass art by working with stained glass. Here are just a few of the dozens of Stained Glass Books on our shelves.



The Technique of Stained Glass - by Patrick Reyntiens

"This book contains everything you need to know to make stained glass windows. Written by a Master Artist, Patrick Reyntiens, the book covers every aspect of the manufacture of stained glass from the setting up of the studio, cutting and painting on glass, firing the glass, leading and cementing. There are also brief chapters on other techniques using different forms of glass."


Stained Glass Work: A Text-Book for Students and Workers in Glass - by Christopher Whall

An oldie but goodie. If you can't find an original copy, get the reprint edition from Whitehouse Books. You'll find their link on our Book Links page.


Stained Glass Craft - by J.A Divine

Dover reprint of another old one. Not as substantial as Whall, but still interesting.


Stained Glass Primer: The Basic Skills - by Peter Mollica

I think this was the first of the "modern" stained glass how-to books. Concise, to the point. Still good.



How to Work in Stained Glass- by Anita Isenberg, Seymour Isenberg

This is the first stained glass book I ever owned. Good basic information about creating in stained glass. Unimpressive projects and pictures, but the basic techniques are all covered. You can usually find a nice used copy at a bargain price.


Stained Glass From Mind to Light: An Inquiry into the Nature of the Medium - by Narcissus Quagliata


Stained Glass Painting: Basic Techniques of the Craft - by Richard Millard, Anita and Seymour Isenberg

The Isenbergs provide the writing, Dick Millard provides the skills and experience. The result is a solid introduction to the tools, techniques, and materials for "real" stained glass painting.


The Art of Painting on Glass: Techniques and Designs for Stained Glass - by Albinas Elskus

From the introduction: "There has been a mystery surrounding glass-painting methods. Hundred of years ago, guilds had their own formulas, which were never recorded. Up until recently, the secrets of the paint mixtures and methods of applying them to glass were closely guarded. Though this may no longer be true today, the tradition of secrecy has left its mark, so that the information available is still sketchy and incomplete in context and details."

From the cover notes: "With this book, the noted artist Albinas Elskus removes the mystique surrounding the art of painting on glass. Combining centuries-old artistry and comtemporary techniques, he reveals the results of his experiments with vitreous paints, the mixing agents, brushes, tools, and equipment needed, and the various methods of applying and controlling the paint. Silver staining, enameling, etching, silkscreening, and firing of painted glass are all thoroughly described, and many illustrations in both black-and-white and color are included."


Painting and Firing Stained Glass - by Ernest W. Twining

This is our own reprint edition of excerpts from Twining's The Art and Craft of Stained Glass originally published in 1928. Find out more about it here.


Rudimentary Treatise on the Art of Painting on Glass or Glass-Staining: Comprising Directions for Preparing the Pigments, and Fluxes, for Laying Them on Glass, and for Firing or Burning in the Colours - by M. A Gessert

Long out-of-print, hard-to-find, and expensive when you do. Fascinating work on glass painting from the mid-19th century.


Following are some of the favorite design resources on Saints and Symbols from members of the Architectural Stained Glass online discussion group (see our Glass Links for more details about the group):

Saints, Signs and Symbols

Signs & Symbols in Christian Art (Galaxy Books)

A Handbook of Symbols in Christian Art

Sacred and Legendary Art, Part 1

Sacred and Legendary Art, Part 2

The Gothic Image: Religious Art in France of the Thirteenth Century (Icon Editions Series)

Saints in Art

Church Symbolism: An Explanation of the More Important Symbols of the Old and New Testament, the Primitive, the Medieval and the Modern Church

The Book of Saints

Dictionary of Symbols


And here are a few more stained glass books that we like:

Cathedral : The Story of Its Construction - by David Macaulay

Not specifically about stained glass, but this book offers a fascinating, easy-to-follow visual journey through the construction of a cathedral in the 13th and 14th centuries.



Stained Glass in England (History Handbooks) by June Osborne








Painting on Light: Drawings and Stained Glass in the Age of Durer and Holbein




The Jerusalem Windows by Marc Chagall - by Jean Leymarie

Marc Chagall's incredible Stained Glass Opus!


Chicago Stained Glass by Erne R. Frueh, Florence Frueh


Stained Glass: Music for the Eye - by Jill and Robert Hill

I've always loved this book. Nice color photos of stained and leaded glass panels, with quite a few painted pieces included. Good mix of styles, old and new.


Peter McGrain: Uncommon Stained Glass






I'd love to think that we've included all of the best books about stained glass, but I know we've barely scratched the surface of what's available. You can scratch a little deeper by using the search box below.

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Copyright ©2011 Fledgling Studio and John R. Cumbow

updated June 2011