Anita Ellis depicts the many challenges McLaughlin encountered in pursuit of her career. Not the least of these was her rivalry with the formidable Maria Longworth Nichols, fellow Cincinnatian and founder of T he Rockwood Pottery Company. Another was being a woman in the arts: McLaughlin's primary goal had been to paint portraits on canvas, but Victorian society did not afford opportunities in what was then considered a male sphere.

Replete with historic photos and color illustrations of many of McLaughlin's works, The Ceramic Career of M. Louise McLaughlin is a tribute to an esteemed woman artist who rose to one of the highest positions in her field.

Gift of Paul and Val Weston.