The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques [Hardcover]

Peter Parkinson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1, 2001

The Artist Blacksmith is the essential handbook for anyone interested in bringing a creative, contemporary approach to this ancient craft, and for those already hooked who want to improve and expand their skills. Topics covered include the range and use of tools and materials; fundamental blacksmithing processes; working at the anvil; drawing down, bending, upsetting, and spreading; hot cutting; punching; and finally, twisting and joining. Illustrated with over 200 diagrams and photographs, The Artist Blacksmith will provide an introduction to the beginner and valuable information for the more experienced smith looking to expand their workshop.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Who would have thought that there could be a book about blacksmithing that doesn't include any references to horses? Parkinson, an artist and industrial designer, creates work of such aesthetic beauty that it would be a shame to waste it on the bottom of horses' hooves. This title offers a wealth of material that will be appreciated by aspiring blacksmiths of all skill levels. Parkinson explains the tools, materials, and equipment needed by blacksmiths as well as the most commonly used techniques. Numerous illustrations of beautiful creations (such as gates, sculptures, household items, and furniture) appear throughout this fascinating title, which, while not an essential purchase, would be a welcome addition to applied art and craft collections.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

“This title offers a wealth of material that will be appreciated by aspiring blacksmiths of all skill levels.” -- Library Journal

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Crowood Press (November 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1861264283
• ISBN-13: 978-1861264282
• Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8.8 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #259,449 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars My husband LOVED it!, March 21, 2006

By 

D. Frost "Snowgoose" (Alaska, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques (Hardcover)

I'm always searching for a new book for my husband's growing blacksmithing/metalworking library. He is an experienced metal artist and already owns most of the books I find. This book was new and I knew wasn't on his shelves, so I took a chance. He LOVES it! He had heard good things about the author and is still spending many hours pouring over the great photos, graphics and text. He told me any metal artist he knows would enjoy this book and want to keep it for reference. Thanks for an excellent birthday gift idea!
-Deb Frost
Alaska

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book for our learning library, July 3, 2008

By 

Carrie B (Western NC, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques (Hardcover)

Disclaimer - I am not a blacksmith. However, I am compiling a learning library for new smiths. This book is clear, concise, and because of how thorough it is, appears to be a great tool for any aspiring artist blacksmith. Of all the books I have purchased to date, this is the one I would recommend to new smiths to purchase for their personal libraries. I have attended numerous blacksmith classes, and find the same information being offered in this book that the seasoned smiths are teaching.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Like Poetry for Metalsmiths, February 2, 2011

By 

sparky - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques (Hardcover)

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in blacksmithing. It is beautifully written and the numerous pictures are pertinent to the subjects. While Peter figures prominently in this book, he is a background figure and shares the insightful information he has to offer in an easy to comprehend fashion. This book would be equally helpful for designers and architects, as the metal processes are clearly demonstrated and the information is so easy to understand. There is nothing extraneous in the book, nor are there any glaring omissions.

The author is British and a few terms may seem confusing at first to a novice. For instance, "upsetting" (a technique used to make metal thicker) is sometimes referred to as "jumping up" (a term seldom used in the United States). But this is a minor point and actually makes reading it more interesting.

I am a professional smith and found Peter's approach to be informative and refreshing. The information is accurate. There are enough shop tips for a seasoned smith and a thorough approach to basic techniques to satisfy everyone. I often come back to the book to look at the beautiful pictures again and to muse over his approach. There are many styles of smithing and teaching. This book happens to do both exceptionally well.