The Prop Builder's Molding and Casting Handbook by Thurston James (1990, Paperback)

This book covers everything from casting plaster or resins,to mold making, to vacuum forming. There is so much information in this book that almost anything related to molding & casting is covered. So, it's a great reference book and also a good book for beginners to see all the viable options available to make props,sets,or crafts.
The only downside of this book is that it spans so many methods it would be impossible to go into great detail about all the different aspects of one method. So, you will most likely need to supplement the knowledge here with internet research or other books, for more comprehensive information on a specific type of molding & casting.

I felt the book was well written and easy to follow. It is a little dated but the procedures I assume haven't changed much. This book is well worth the time if you are interested in molding and casting projects.

This book is great for anyone looking to get into prop building, be it the studentor the hobbyist. It has a ton of pictures and is very insightful.

Thurston wrote this definitive text many years ago. He wrote from diligent research and testing. Thurston was one of the finest technical artists in the history of West Coast Theatre. There is no one else I have ever considered a mentor.