A global approach to ceramics, including the effect of processing on microstructure and of microstructure on final properties, is needed in order to extend the use of ceramic materials. The application of such an approach is demonstrated to different types of ceramics. It deals with ceramic processing, from the first step of powder synthesis to the final sintering stage, and it covers important work that has been carried out in order to understand the effect of interfacial properties and their evolution during fatigue of ceramic matrix composites.