Handbook for Ironmongers
H.G. Brack
2nd edition, 2013
A glossary of terms related to iron and steel and their changing meanings, providing definitions pertinent to the art of ironmongering and the Davistown Museum’s Hand Tools in History series, its tool exhibitions and it’s Tools Teach – School Loan Program. “Students, researchers, and museum visitors will benefit from this guide to the history of metallurgical terms.” Kirkus Discoveries
Softcover, 8" x 10"
$15.00
Available on Amazon.com
Hand Tools in History Publication Series Summary
Handbook for Ironmongers: A Glossary of Ferrous Metallurgy Terms provides definitions pertinent to the survey of the history of ferrous metallurgy in the preceding five volumes of the Hand Tools in History series. The glossary defines terminology relevant to the origins and hi story of ferrous metallurgy, ranging from ancient metallurgical techniques to the later developments in iron and steel production in America. It also contains definitions of modern steelmaking techniques and recent research on topics such as powdered metallurgy, high resolution electron microscopy, and superplasticity. It also defines terms pertaining to the growth and uncontrolled emissions of a pyrotechnic society that ma nufactured the hand tools that built the machines that now produce biomass-derived consumer products and their toxic chemical byproducts. It is followed by relevant appendices, a bibliography listing sources used to compile this glossary, and a general bibliography on metallurgy. The author also acknowledges and discusses issues of language and the interpretation of terminology used by ironworkers over a period of centuries. A compilation of the many definitions related to iron and steel and their changing meanings is an important component of our survey of the history of the steel- and toolmaking strategies and techniques and the relationsh ip of these traditions to the accomplishments of New England shipsmiths and their offspring, the edge toolmakers who made shipbuilding tools.
Amazon.com description
The second edition of Handbook for Ironmongers: A Glossary of Ferrous Metallurgy Terms defines hundreds of items of interest to blacksmiths, historians, and anyone seeking knowledge of steel- and toolmaking and its history. Topics range from ancient metallurgical techniques to later developments in iron and steel production in America, including definitions pertaining to alloy steels, tool steels, and CNC technology. Also included is commentary on the challenges faced by contemporary artisans and metalworkers (born-again ironmongers) in a world of increasing income disparities, reduced employment opportunities, and rapidly diminishing round world natural resources. While it stands alone as an important resource, the Glossary is also an invaluable component of the Davistown Museum Hand Tools in History series, which surveys the history of steel- and toolmaking and relates it to New England shipsmiths and edge toolmakers.