Short description
The author draws on recent archaeological findings, as well as archival research, to provide a comprehensive survey of iron technology in America from the colonial period to the industry's demise at around the turn of the 20th century.
Long description
By applying their abundant natural resources to ironmaking early in the 18th century, Americans soon made themselves felt in world markets. After the Revolution, ironmakers supplied the materials necessary to the building of American industry, pushing the fuel efficiency and productivity of their furnaces far ahead of their European rivals. In this work, Robert B. Gordon draws on recent archaeological findings as well as archival research to present an comprehensive survey of iron technology in America from the colonial period to the industry's demise at about the turn of the 20th century. Closely examining the techniques - the "hows" - of ironmaking in its various forms, Gordon offers new interpretations of labour, innovation and product quality in ironmaking, along with references to the industry's environmental consequences. He establishes the high level of skills required to ensure efficient and safe operation of furnaces and to improve the quality of iron product. By mastering founding, fining, puddling, or bloom smelting, ironworkers gained a degree of control over their lives not easily attained by others.
Review
This long-needed book is the best one-volume work extant on how ferrous metals were manufactured before the industrial revolution swept across the United States in the late 19th century... The value of this informing study is enhanced by the quality of the maps, scale drawings and pictures. -- American Scientist