The Art of Blacksmithing

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View books by Alex W. Bealer.

Excellent because it's old - Rated
This book is a reprint of an early(ish) manual on blacksmiting, printed around 40 years ago in it's most recent incarnation.
It is an excellent book for anyone with an interest in blacksmithing as opposed to farriering, a far more specialist subject which merely incorporates a degree of blacksmithing work.
If you have the intention to try your hand at a bit of wrought iron, drawing out or upsetting, then this is one book you should have on your forge reference rack

A superb reference for smithing and for writers wanting info - Rated
This is one of those works that gets overlooked, but is a must for writers aside for anyone wanting more information on metal working and smithing. I especially recommend this as a foundation for anyone wanting to know more about forges in the Middles Ages and a prep for understanding how swords and armour were made. This is a starting point, but also a wealth of information I have not found elsewhere.

Beaton's book starts with a discussion about the Blacksmith. Quickly moves on to the black metal. He discusses the set up of the Blacksmith shop, then into a more details coverage of his tools, tricks and techniques. Once he has that established he go into rich writing how how the metals are formed. Especially helpful, is the home utensils chapter, a back to basics that will be invaluable to writer. Also handled are iron decorations and winds up with weaponry.

This is a must for period writers. You cannot get a better study of this subject. It will add so much to your writings to fully understand the role of this very vital master of the trade who kept people safe and provided them with the means of defence, right down to the care of horses that were so valuable to a man's very life.

Poor - Rated
This is a "collector's guide" to forgework; an amateur's impressions from outside the craft. Much of the content is simply incorrect.

It's an interesting read, but only if you already know enough to see the errors.

The Bible for Blacksmiths - Rated
Everything you need to know about the tools and techniques used by blacksmiths including blueprints and plans for numerous end products, how to set up a shop, build a forge, etc. Over 400 illustrations.