I don't ordinarily answer my own posts, although in this case I will
make an exception, because I just discovered that someone has posted
the Gilbert Glassblowing booklet on the internet, and because I want to
post a link to that book:

http://www.glassian.org/Making/Gilbert/fcover.html

This booklet shows how to work soft glass with an alcohol lamp and a
blowpipe, and I am looking forward to reading it myself.

Mike Mandaville