There is a wealth of information about Franciscan already in print. Here are some books we highly recommend for the Franciscan collector:

Franciscan Ware
by Delleen Enge
Collector Books, Paducah, KY, 1981. Paperback, out-of-print.

Delleen's first book on Franciscan. Some refer it as "Franciscan Book One." A wonderful introduction to Franciscan, it covers the history and many of the early patterns produced by Gladding McBean. Since it is out of print, expect to pay $65 or more for an edition. 

Franciscan, Embossed Hand-Painted
by Delleen Enge.
Delleen Enge, Ojai, CA, 1992. Paperback. Out-of-print.

Delleen's second book on Franciscan. Sometimes referred to as "Franciscan Book Two." Met with great response, this is the resource for collectors of the hand-painted embossed dinnerware lines such as Desert Rose and Apple.

Out of print

Franciscan, Plain & Fancy
by Delleen Enge.
Delleen Enge, Ojai, CA, 1997. Paperback.

Delleen's third book on Franciscan. This now can be referred to as "Franciscan Book Three" by Franciscan Collectors. Included are patterns not in either Delleen's Book 1 or Book 2. Included in this book is Starburst, Oasis, & Duet as well as Tiempo, Sundance & Madeira.

Out of Print

Catalina Art Pottery
Delleen Enge
Delleen Enge, Ojai, CA, 1982. Paperback, Out of print.

A reprint of a 1942 sales brochure featuring artware produced by Gladding, McBean & Co. Lines included in the catalog are Oxblood and Polynesia Ware, as well as others. This only published book on artware unfortunately is out of print. Expect to pay at least $45 for an original edition.

From Other Authors:

Franciscan Dining Services
by Jeffrey B. Snyder
From Schiffer Books for Collectors.

A good reference for a majority of dinnerware patterns manufactured by Franciscan. Many patterns are shown with pictures. Does not list pieces, origin, or dates for the patterns. Price guide is for replacement values only on common dinnerware shapes (i.e. cups/saucers etc.)

"Pottery"
Gladding, McBean &Co.
no date, approx. circa 1930’s. Photocopy of original.

A photocopy reprint of a sales catalog of Gladding, McBean terra cotta gardenware.

Architectural Terra Cotta of Gladding, McBean
by Gary F. Kurutz.
Windgate Press, Sausalito, CA, 1989 Hardcover, $75.00.

Covers the history, terms and production of terra cotta in the Lincoln plant. Also includes buildings constructed with terra cotta in California.

Can be ordered from the Franciscan Newsletter, 8412 - 5th Avenue NE, Seattle, WA 98115

The Official Price Guide to Pottery and Porcelain, Eighth Edition
by Harvey Duke
House of Collectibles, NY, NY, 1995, paperback $15.00.

The most up to date source for pricing, a wonderful resource and a must have for all pottery collectors, Besides covering Franciscan and Gladding McBean, Harvey's book covers many other Potteries as well. Harvey Duke has published other titles as well, Stangl Potteries, and Hall China.

Available in Most Stores including Amazon.com