With more than 500 illustrations, this book is perfect for craftsmen who want to set up a blacksmith shop, and for lovers of history and craft alike. This book describes and illustrates the equipment and techniques developed in more than six thousand years of working iron by hand.Indeed, this unique book covers every aspect of a fascinating and little-known art, the fundamental craft on which the civilization of the Iron Age was built.

Born from fire and forge, Blacksmith is an exploration into the life and practices of the modern smith, and the history and folklore of this ancient art. Alex Pole guides the uninitiated on a journey from apprentice to master. Celebrating tools and traditions, from the humble nail to the history of the axe, he shares his passion and wealth of knowledge as a blacksmith to allow you a glimpse behind the steam- and smoked-filled scenes of life at the forge. Through sparks, fire and heat, delve into fascinating detail about the technique and skill that is required to master this age-old trade, and in the process discover a new appreciation of everyday objects and the people who bring them into existence. Beautifully designed and richly illustrated, Blacksmith is an essential guide to this timeless craft.

Excerpt from The Value of Science in the Smithy and Forge It is not usual for anyone who is constantly engaged in the workshop to attempt to write and lecture on the practical application of modern science. Mr Cathcart, however, who has been thoroughly trained in practical smith-work in the blacksmith's shop, has not only attempted but has succeeded in writing on the subject, showing clearly how much benefit blacksmiths would derive if they were to apply more science in the conduct of their everyday work. It is evident that the author has by patient study mastered the elements of metallography and the effect of heat on the structure of iron and steel, for he has in most lucid language sought to show how such knowledge can be applied. Knowing that there is still much prejudice in the mind of the practical worker against theory, the author has taken some pains to show that the practical worker himself bases his practice on theory, and that "theory and practice are inseparable." "The practical man is always of necessity a theoretical man, whether he admits it or not." What is clearly shown is the necessity for blacksmiths having more theory in order that their practice may be the more perfect. Most of the very excellent photomicrographs illustrating the lecture are Mr Cathcart's own work. About the Publisher Forgotten Books publishes hundreds of thousands of rare and classic books. Find more at www.forgottenbooks.com This book is a reproduction of an important historical work. Forgotten Books uses state-of-the-art technology to digitally reconstruct the work, preserving the original format whilst repairing imperfections present in the aged copy. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in our edition. We do, however, repair the vast majority of imperfections successfully; any imperfections that remain are intentionally left to preserve the state of such historical works.