This is the first book devoted to the role of chemical synthetic techniques in the development of advanced ceramic materials. It bridges the gap between existing volumes dealing with the properties of ceramic materials, for example their mechanical properties, and those on chemistry. The author describes the variety of advanced ceramics and their conventional synthesis and fabrication. This is followed by a description of the range of non-conventional synthetic methods. The basic chemistry of the synthesis is described and well-illustrated by reference to ceramics made on both laboratory and industrial scales. This resource book will be of value to anyone working with advanced ceramics in research laboratories, and to postgraduate students and research workers in chemistry, material science, physics, metallurgy and mechanical engineering departments involved with ceramic materials.