Build Your Own Wood-Fired Oven: From the Earth, Brick or New Materials

For 20 years, author Alan Watt was head of the Ceramics Department of the National Institute of Arts at the Australian National University. Since retiring, he has conducted numerous weekend workshops showing people how to build wood-fired ovens. And now, Watt has written this book - a treasure trove of guidance, based on years of practical and personal experience - to show how to build the "must have" accessory for the backyard chef. Illustrated with many excellent photographs and line drawings, the book explains the historical development of ovens, along with the physics and basic principles of oven design. It contains sections on oven bases and different types of ovens, ranging from low tech to high tech, as well as the traditional brick dome oven. The book also includes discussions on chimneys and dampers, casting a chimney, and doors and doorways. The appendixes illustrate how to cast an arch, forming a brick arch without traditional formwork, and casting a chimney base. Some wonderful recipes are also included.