Customer Reviews

American Iron, 1607-1900 (Johns Hopkins Studies in the History of Technology)

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The best book on the history and technology of the American Iron Industry available. Anyone interested in or working with the early iron industry should own a copy. The only possible criticisms are that some will find parts of the book a bit too technical, and the emphasis of the book is on the 19th century and the Northern industry (not surprising given the available records).

This book, clearly written and richly illustrated, is the definitive history of the American Iron industry between 1609 and 1900. Since I research the iron industry myself, I found myself returning to it again and again over the years. It is a scholarly book, but it's not written in the often tangled language of academics. I notice two reviewers have said it was too "technical" but I teach English and I read the parts I understand and skimmed the rest. In this way, you gradually understand more and more.

It's true the book is focused in the northeast, where the iron industry was most strong during this time period. For wonderful descriptions of ironmaking in the southeast, read Charles B. Dew.

This is an excellent synthesis focused on the development of the iron industry in America. It is well researched and contains much useful information for individuals wishing to develop their historical knowledge about iron manufacturing. The book is well-designed and is very readable. Many photographs and drawings were employed to show what took place at different locations. You can't go wrong in adding this treatise to your library collection.

Takes the reader from the earliest and crudest American ironworking (bloomeries) on up through blast furnaces and puddling refineries, and on to Bessemer and Open Hearth steel. Excellent photographs, drawings, some graphs, and even grain analysis and fuels.

Good technical reference on the development
of the iron & steel industry in the US.