New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith

Book Description

The tenet of this book is provide a tool for artists/blacksmiths and metalworkers. It tells how to work metal: heating it, cutting it, upsetting it, drawing it out, twisting it, forge welding it and shaping and assembling it. It tells about metallurgy and tool making, metal finishes and corrosion, sources of information and supplies, charts and guidelines for many tasks. It explains the process of design, how to use the computer in metal design, how to set up a business and how to manage it. Providing an inspiration for all blacksmiths are portfolios of the wrought iron work of Martin Rose and Samuel Yellin, two of America's premier metalworkers of the past. To further inspire and to show the new focus of blacksmithing in the metal arts, six contemporary metalworkers show a series of demonstration pieces of their iron work. This 256 page book is bound with an improved binding system (Otabind) that allows the pages to lay flat.

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant.......2006-12-27

This is a great book to learn beginning blackmisthing.. I've bought or found a dozen or so books and this is the best.

Good for Beginners.......2006-08-08

This is my 1st year to pursue blacksmithing. I have read a number of books on the subject, but I am not a seasoned smith.

I have seen recommendations for this book several places on-line, so I had high hopes. The book starts by identifying the tools, then covers a few basic projects, adds some metallurgy information, then we get a portfolio of beautiful works by Master Craftsmen. The section on performing a spark test using a grinder could have used some color photos. I would have liked a few more projects, and maybe a few more drawings.

The book was good as far as it went, although the edition that I received in 2006 had several awkwardly phrased sentences. It was almost as if the writer was interrupted in mid sentence, or went back to edit a sentence and left extra words in.

For my own library, I will keep this book, but I am still looking ...

Great book for the self-starter.......2005-12-06

Jack Andrews' "New Edge of the Anvil" is a great book for getting started in blacksmithing. It has clear text, detailed pictures, and inspiring blacksmith's profiles. I find myself referencing it often. Highly recommended.

One of the best for beginning blacksmithing.......2005-08-06

I am a beginning blacksmither and have been getting books from our library. This is one that is so good, I wanted to own a copy.

Very clear and good descriptions of technique, tests for tempering, pros and cons of various forge designs and some gorgeous examples of the blacksmiths art to drool over.

This is an excellent book.......2005-05-01

I got this book in a box of foundry, and forging manuals. I started reading it, and it reaaly breaks down how to do the projects in it. I will, and have recomended this book for any new smith, or student of metal works. As well as any kid wet behind the ears who wants to learn the ways of the smith.

Average customer rating:

Well Done!!

The Contemporary Blacksmith
Dona Z. Meilach
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0764311069

Book Description

This important new book tackles the burgeoning revival of the blacksmith's art. Author Dona Meilach has brought together over 500 works by nearly 200 artist-craftsmen from sixteen countries to illustrate the unprecedented activity in modern ironwork that has led to its blossoming into a serious art form. You'll learn several techniques using hot and cold forming with the results clearly shown. You'll be able to recognize how a fence, railing, grille, table, chair, knife, and other items evolve, and better appreciate their design and workmanship. Each chapter provides background for the type of objects shown-- architectural ironwork, sculpture, furniture, containers and vessels, lighting fixtures and candleholders, fireplace accessories, wind vanes, household and liturgical items, and the incredible knives made of Damascus steel. You'll find ample information for how and where to begin your own study in this extensive resource list of organizations, Internet sources, publications, museums, and educational opportunities. The Contemporary Blacksmith** undoubtedly should be found in the libraries of every metalworker, art educator, architect, interior designer, ironwares collector, and crafts person.

Customer Reviews:

Well Done!!.......2000-09-26

I preordered this book, not really knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised. This book is a wonderful collection of photographs of modern blacksmiths works. It has a lot of those smiths who have become known as masters within the community. It was well worth it, just to see what other smiths were doing.

Customer Reviews:

excellent book.......2007-10-01

I bought this book for less than half what I could find it for in Oz. The book is written well, and assumes some knowledge in the reader's part and focuses on technique and function, rather than basic skills... however that being said there is enough to get someone started who has rudimentary skills or aptitude. There is some repetition since the book is the combination of three seperate books, but that is not a problem when reading the material.
There is excellent material on recycling, and reuse of raw and salvaged materials, and the notes concerning the manufacture of tools, with small notes concerning how their use influences their manufacture is knowledge worth having. In all, a worthwhile read/ purchase for anyone interested in the art/skill of working with steel.

Only a so-so book .......2007-09-07

The book does a decent job of telling someone about the basics of blacksmithing tools, set up of the shop, etc., but most of this can be obtained off the internet these days, with better illustrations to boot.

The projects are the major disappointment with this book. They seem as though they were chosen for the "Red Green Show" rather than for hobbyists. Most of us are engaged in blacksmithing to produce art these days, not because we are forced by extreme poverty into a Mother Earth News subsistance lifestyle. In this regard the title of this book is a misnomer, as a large portion of the book would have been more useful for the person of 150 years ago (in the USA), not for the modern-day suburban or semi-rural person in America. Having said this, on the other hand this book would still be useful for someone who's residing in a third-world country where everyday items such as scissors, pliers, etc are either unaffordable or unavailable. (But then in this case, you probably couldn't afford the book, anyway).

It is also lacking in "modern" conventions such as photographs, instead using drawings that are executed OK, but nothing like seeing the real thing in a photo. If you are interested in expressing yourself artistically and want to learn the basics of blacksmithing, I recommend you buy "The Backyard Blacksmith" by Sims, instead.

Very Good Book. Clear and Concise........2006-01-10

This book is well written for the layman working with metal for many purposes. Covers forging, tempering, grinding, reusing old, broken, worn out, or discarded tools and material. Definately has a scrounger in mind when discussing materials. Illustrations are well done and instructions are thorough but not over-simplified.

Kevin Hagan

Decent book.......2005-03-18

This book contains somethings that are practical, as far as forging and tempering blades for wood working, and a few other various tools. Older technical manuals such as shopwork on the farm by Mack Jones, elementary forge practice, and most other blacksmithing manuals show how that Mr. Weygers has completed certain tasks, plus the steps are more clearly defined. On one note. The anvil that Mr. Weygers made shows his ability as a smith. The only problem is that it is too small for most forging jobs, I would reccomend this book to a starting smith along with several other manuals and pamphlets. Either commonly available, or from my own personal library. Let the anvil ring call you to the shop, and be prepared for the next project. Thanx.

Good Information but Somewhat Dated.......2004-11-16

I think Alex Weygers is an amazing man, artist and engineer. This book has a LOT of good information on basic smithing but has a few small technical errors. The only drawback is that some of the items upon which he goes into great detail are things that most people would prefer to just buy, rather than make. However, the TECHNIQUES used to make some of these items (like a waste water pump) can be applied to other things. He is a world-class scrounger and tries to identify good sources of junk metal. However, the world has changed since he wrote this book and the composition of some of the junk auto parts he recommends has changed considerably. It is a book worth owning if you are interested in smithing.

The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Back Yard)

Average customer rating:

Great book
truly excellent beginner's over-view
Excellent Book
Clear step-by-step instructions with photos
great primer

The Backyard Blacksmith: Traditional Techniques for the Modern Smith (Back Yard)
Lorelei Sims
Manufacturer: Quarry Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Turtleback

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ASIN: 1592532519

Book Description

The Backyard Blacksmith takes the mystery out of blacksmithing, but not the magic...

There is an increasing interest and revival in the art of blacksmithing as a hobby and art, and both men and women are becoming at-home blacksmiths. Blacksmithing is a simple, rewarding craft anyone can enjoy in their backyard or home workshop -- even beginners can produce useful and beautiful projects on their first try.

The Backyard Blacksmith shows you how blacksmithing can be easy to learn, and a rewarding hobby, with some patience and a working knowledge of metals, basic tools, and techniques. Through instructions and illustrations, readers will learn to make simple tools and useful items, such as nails, hinges, and handles, and also an interesting mix of artful projects, such letter openers, door knockers and botanical ornaments.

Customer Reviews:

Great book.......2007-09-07

The author clearly put a lot of time into this book, and it shows. Clearly explains the basics of blacksmithing without jargon and with useful illustrations. It is entirely on the level about the pros and cons of blacksmithing, the dangers, the rewards, and it is written with engaging humor at times. Great job. I recommend this highly for the beginner!

truly excellent beginner's over-view.......2007-09-01

I attended a full-day blacksmithing class a couple of years ago, and have since bought an anvil, propane forge, and assorted tools. While there is no substitute for actually attending a blacksmithing class, this book gives a truly excellent over-view of the craft for beginners. Ms. Sims provides the basic information on a workshop's contents and layout, has very good pictures showing basic techniques, and provides step-by-step instruction for a few projects. The layout of the book is superb, effectively bridging the gap between the craft and the reader. Ms. Sims also has practice pointers interspersed throughout the book, to relate her own experience in achieving certain results or avoiding injury. I highly recommend this book for anyone considering giving blacksmithing a try.

Excellent Book.......2007-03-22

This book is an exceptionally clear and concise introduction to Blacksmithing. She begins with the basics and gradually takes you through to advanced subjects. The color pictures and illustrations are particularly helpful. Practically every subject covered has a color picture that assists in understanding the material.
This is truly a invaluable book book for the beginner and helpful reference guide for advanced blacksmiths.

Clear step-by-step instructions with photos.......2007-02-01

Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for Reader Views (1/07)

With use of modern equipment and traditional blacksmithing techniques you too can create works of art. Heat and hammer work together along with controlled movement to produce works of art. Lorelei Sims finds the "repetitive motions such as tapering, flattening, scrolling and texturing have actually become meditative." "My goal is to provide knowledge, insight, and inspiration to enthusiasts interested in implementing their own backyard smithy."

Chapter one discusses appropriate site, setting up your workspace and safety. Ms Sims goes in great detail concerning safety. Burns, even minor should be held under cold water for several minutes but do not apply ice to the burn. You'll need a first aid kit, hose and fire extinguisher. You should never "allow others inside your work triangle. All visitors should wear safety glasses. Good lighting is must." Most of the precautions were common sense but today not everyone has common sense.

Chapter two begins the discussion of equipment. The book continues with the discussion of iron, coal and tending the fire. She discusses how to use the tools. Each chapter has inserts of "Tricks of the Trade" and "safety Tips." Techniques are offered for assembling several pieces of forged iron.

"This book is for the person who has always wanted to try blacksmithing, but has never had the opportunity. It is my desire to present the basic tool usage and forging techniques in the simplest manner possible. As you become more knowledgeable of the terminology, tools, and procedures, there will be more resource material for you to grow with."

"The Backyard Blacksmith" by Lorelei Sims is a must for anyone interested in blacksmithing. While the information contained with in the covers is invaluable to the blacksmith, my favorite part was the photos of her creations. She offers instructions for a door pull that is beautiful, as was the candleholder. There's a doorknocker and gate pull as well as other projects. Ms Sims is a very gifted person. I highly recommend this book to those interested in blacksmithing.

great primer.......2007-01-09

This has got to be one of the best beginner blacksmithing books ever written. It's very clear and concise with easy to understand explanations aswell as good illustrations.

The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques

Average customer rating:

My husband LOVED it!
Best of the lot

The Artist Blacksmith: Design and Techniques
Peter Hubert Parkin
Manufacturer: Trafalgar Square Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1861264283

Customer Reviews:

My husband LOVED it!.......2006-03-22

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

Best of the lot.......2005-06-30

If you buy on book on blacksmithing this is the one. My complements to the author for a job well done.

The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods

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A 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit
Best Way to Start?

The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer of Tools & Methods
Charles McRaven
Manufacturer: Storey Publishing, LLC
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1580175937

Book Description

Blacksmithing is one of the traditional â€œlost artsâ€ deserving re-discovery by anyone interested in do-it-yourself building and crafting.

Charles McRaven discovered blacksmithing when he moved â€œback to the landâ€ in the 1970s and shares his knowledge in The Blacksmithâ€™s Craft. Creating oneâ€™s own tools and instruments from metal enhances woodworking, stonework, building, and restoration work. In his readable and humorous style, McRaven tells readers all they need to know to begin blacksmithing.

Simple and clear instructions, supplemented by step-by-step photography, show how to build a forge, how to make and/or acquire tools, and how to use those tools to create items of lasting beauty and durability.

This book belongs in the reference library of everyone interested in traditional American building crafts and culture, as well as those practical folks who want to make and repair their own metal tools, household items, hardware, or farm equipment.

Customer Reviews:

A 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit.......2006-01-03

Very few titles go into much depth on the vanishing art of blacksmithing as does Charles McRaven's The Blacksmith's Craft: A Primer Of Tools And Methods - which is why any would-be blacksmith will want to see this on a reference shelf and even in a home collection. From setting up your own forge and making common items to using recycled materials, learning and acquiring the basic tools, and using blacksmithing skills to restore homes, The Blacksmith's Craft is a 'must' for any rural resident or student craftsman thinking of taking up the art of blacksmithing for fun or profit.

Best Way to Start?.......2005-12-13

If you are interested in blacksmithing,
have no metal working experience and
are short on funds, I cannot recommend
this book enough.

Originally entitled "Country Blacksmithing",
when it was first published in the early 80's
Charles McRaven:

http://www.charlesmcraven.com/index.html

has revised (slightly) and reissued this
book as "The Blacksmith's Craft A Primer
of Tools and Methods." The author is an
expert in building with stone and timber
framing. Finding himself in need of tools,
he decided to make his own and so learned
blacksmithing in a way which combines
19th techniques with 20th century
materials "recycling".

I discovered the first edition
and immediately coveted it because McRaven
writes WELL! He is lucid and the photographs
are plentiful. Reading this is almost like
having a conversation with an experienced
"Country" or farm yard blacksmith as it is
clear and concise and colorful.

It's not what you would call comprehensive,
with respect to the subject, but there
is more than enough here to get a backyard
toolsmith started making his own tools.
If you are serious about banging on iron,
this should not be your only metal working
tome, but it is an excellent start
IMHO and in fact might be about the only
book you need.

Average customer rating:

"Except ye see sights and wonders ye will not believe"
Step back into 1870
This book will make you think
Enjoyable and thought-provoking
Incredible, thought-provoking, beautiful writing

The Short Day Dying
Peter Hobbs
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0156032414

Book Description

This is the story of four seasons in the life of Charles Wenmoth, a twenty-seven-year-old apprentice blacksmith and Methodist lay preacher in Cornwall in 1870. Life is at its hardest; poverty is everywhere. Charles crosses and recrosses the raw, beautiful landscape, attending to the sick and helping the poor, preaching in chapels with ever-dwindling congregations. He questions his faith along the way but never quite loses it, balancing it with the pleasure he takes in nature, the light in the skies, the colors of the earth, and in his attachment to a girl to whom he is drawn by the piety and patience she maintains despite her long illness.

Inspired by the language of his great-great-grandfather's diaries and the Bible, influenced by authors as diverse as Hardy, Blake, and Faulkner, Peter Hobbs has created a first novel of breathtaking ambition and stylistic innovation, and of enormous emotional power.

Customer Reviews:

"Except ye see sights and wonders ye will not believe".......2006-07-12

Set in 1875, The Short Day Dying is reminiscent of a mellifluous tone poem, a spiritual ode to one man's hard driven life has he struggles to come to terms with his faith and the glorious natural beauty of the world around him. Narrated in the first person, author Peter Hobbs stunningly emerges us into the world of Charles Wenmoth, a poor and solitary Methodist lay-priest who spends his days preaching to townsfolk and attending to the sick, whilst working as a blacksmith at the local forge.

Life for Charles is tough; he's a lonely and somewhat tortured soul, who throughout the course of the novel is forced to question his faith. A simple man "unfit for beauty and grace," he admits he has an untutored mind and often he struggles in his sermons to get to the truth of things. It is only when he is wondering through the bucolic beauty of the Cornwall countryside that he manages to feel rejuvenated and at peace.

When Charles visits Harriet French, a young local woman who is dying, her deep illness acts as a catalyst and he begins to question much of what he sees around him. There's much anger here - anger at his people who have turned away from faith and who now have so little love for "the Lord," abandoning their search for the "pearl of great price," determined to satisfy themselves with worldly ambitions.

There's also anger at the men who once came and opened up the land with mines and quarries, extracting its wealth. For this is an area of England where villages that were once prosperous with farming have now decayed, becoming cracked and grimy; the mining does not seem to have bought riches to these communities. Over the years, families that Charles has loved, preached to and cared for, have fallen on hard times.

The mortal sins of drink have also struck the land, causing a terrible curse, with people destroying themselves, and there are those who have invited it to the family's table as though it were food to live from. A reunion with James, a childhood friend, causes Charles to reflect and remember, but his memories cannot bring back happiness and every delight he has in them seems but a form of sadness and loss. It's "where the past is a small domain, it's boundaries are thin and close."

Throughout the course of the novel, Charles's faith is constantly tested. He's beleaguered by regret and melancholy, and often feels quite downcast - there's "a darkness to his soul and he wonders what spirit or sadness possesses him" - and he even becomes conscious that God himself and the holy savior are perhaps testing him. It is only through his relationship with the land that he realizes "heaven resides at our feet as well as over our heads."

The text ignites as the author contrasts the struggles of Charles as seeks to offer the ailing Harriet spiritual solace, whilst enduring the aloofness of her younger brother and her lonely mother. He also must contend with the constant antipathy of his landlady who seems to resent his obvious poverty. Only with patience does he manage to keep his faith a hard stone, "a small thing but powerful and not easily crushed."

Told almost in a stream-of-consciousness style with very little punctuation, The Short Day Dying takes us into the very heart of one man's journey towards redemption. Hobb's theme is one of healing, no matter the damage and empathy for a world that often seems careless of human feelings and their place in the universal scheme of things. Totally encapsulated in a world of faith and belief, we see "how God and the world are one, the land a proper representation of his order." Mike Leonard July 06.

Step back into 1870.......2006-07-08

A dense, well-crafted novel, The Short Day Dying is narrated by a young preacher, Charles Wenmoth, who slogs through the mire of both uncertainty in his commitment to his faith, and his nostalgia for childhood. Set in 1870, the book has an integrity of pacing and voice that is like being lifted unawares by a cherry picker, startling at first, but then soothing with an enjoyable view. Though Wenmoth is a preacher, the reader never feels preached at and instead becomes immersed in the problems of spreading belief in times and towns full of poverty and disease.

To read more reviews check out Void Magazine's website.

This book will make you think.......2006-06-26

I picked this book up at the library eventhough it isn't the type of book I normally read. It was a slow read for me. The main character (dont' think I learn his Christian name until midway through the book) speaks through the pages as I would imagine someone from that era to speak. He's a simple man who lives to please God. His life is rough and burdensome. There's never enough of money to do the things he wants and needs to do yet he still finds time to give to those in need. He's giving of his time especially to a young blind lady on the threshold of death. His landlady will make you despise her. She's a cruel being. This book has a very morbid, depressed "theme" BUT there are so many passages that I re-read and actually THOUGHT about because it resonated so with my own life. That desire we all have to return to childhood and simpler times. That urge to be with old friends of our youth and fight against adult hood and it's seriousness. There is much talk of death which causes even more reflection. I kept wondering how could someone who doesn't even know I exist possibly know that's is EXACTLY how I feel?

This book is definitely worth a read.

Enjoyable and thought-provoking.......2006-06-19

Not often does one come across a novel that is original both in content and style. Peter Hobbs' debut novel is one of those rare cases. Hobbs manages to draw the reader into the world of the narrator, Charles Wenmoth, within a couple of pages, and remains faithful to his approach thereafter: Using simple prose interspersed with powerful images and similes, and a rhythm dictated by Wenmoth's thoughts and state of mind. The reader begins to see the world through Wenmoth's eyes and is utterly gripped by his determination and shocked by his occasional lack of sensitivity, especially in matters of the heart. Where lesser novels or TV soap operas need explicit action scences or a soppy soundtrack, Hobbs manages to create extreme suspense and atmosphere by slowing down the narrative pace, sometimes almost to a standstill - only to speed it up again by throwing in a one-page chapter or a summarizing paragraph here and there. And always sticking to Arthur Schopenhauer's advice: Use ordinary words to say extraordinary things. Or, sometimes more appropriately in Hobbs' case: Use ordinary words to say ordinary things in an extraordinary way. A thoroughly enjoyable and thought-provoking book.

Incredible, thought-provoking, beautiful writing.......2006-03-31

I would recommend The Short Day Dying to anybody who thinks that good literature is dead. It is, by no means, a gangbuster keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat John Grisham thriller. Nor is it a fluffy ersatz literary attempt like so many books today.

The main character of this novel is a perpetual contemplate. He is a kind of circuit pastor who is constantly in thought about theological issues. He has a one-track mind that is completely focused on God, until one day, it's not.

What I loved most about this book is that there is no incredible heart-pumping climax--no one is running from the law, no one gets shot, and nothing blows up. The story is simply a level piece that whose crisis is seemingly minor, and whose climax is wholly conveyed through the thoughtful, philosophical, and searching mind of the protagonist. The protagonist, in his journaling, will often reference a Bible verse, and then, he will expound and expound as though he were giving a sermon. But his thoughts aren't preachy, rather, they are simply the internal workings of a man whose focus is on nothing but how God is working in him, through him, and around him. Hobbs' writing is so compelling that you will suddenly you find yourself empathizing with his protagonist. The struggle through which the protagonist goes is so innately human that you will quickly see the world through his eyes. You too will find yourself on a journey with this pastor, and amidst his crisis of faith you may find yourself amidst your own.

And so, if you begin this book, make sure to read it through. Allow Hobbs' beautiful prose to bring you full-circle, so that both his protagonist's and your soul may find themselves at ease.

The blacksmith's cookbook: Recipes in iron

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Recipes for Success

The blacksmith's cookbook: Recipes in iron
Francis Whitaker
Manufacturer: Jim Fleming Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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New Edge of the Anvil: A Resource Book for the Blacksmith

ASIN: 0939415003

Customer Reviews:

Recipes for Success.......2005-02-09

This is an excellent reference for the working blacksmith. Francis Whitaker was the grand old man of modern American blacksmithing. In this book, he has included his own formulas and techniques for the common problems invoved in forging ornamental ironwork. Francis thoroughly discusses forges and forge equipment, tools for the smithy, and basic blacksmithing operations and how they are best performed. All this is filtered through his many decades of hand-on experience at the highest levels of blacksmithing.

I especially enjoyed this book because Francis was an opinionated, crusty old blacksmith and his persistent, forceful personality shines through in living color!

This great book is out of print now, but it is worth the effort to find yourself a copy.

The Smithy's Craft & Tools (Werk und Werkzeug des Kunstschmieds)

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Tools and work methods of the Art-Smith

The Smithy's Craft & Tools (Werk und Werkzeug des Kunstschmieds)
Otto Schmirler
Manufacturer: Wasmuth
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3803050405

Customer Reviews:

Tools and work methods of the Art-Smith.......2003-04-01

Werk und Werkzeug des Kunstschmieds (Tools and work methods of the Art-Smith) by Otto Schmirler, printed in Austria by Ernst Wasmuth Tübingen from 1981. This is a how-to style book for ornamental ironworkers. By far the most sought after book for the artist-blacksmith (ornamental ironworker) today. It is printed with 3 languages altogether, German-English-French. It is one of the most wonderfully illustrated books loaded with hundreds of pictures and wonderful water color drawings on blacksmithing and blacksmiths tools. Schmirler uses these illustrations to produce fantastically clear images of many specialized and rarely seen tools and how to use them. Also shown is a large variety of work used in wrought iron gates, railings, hardware, lanterns, grills, and other items. This book contains a vast amount of ideas and methods that blacksmiths of any skill level from will find useful. This book is printed in Europe and now out of print - very hard to find. This is considered by artist blacksmith's every where to be one of the best examples of the art. Otto Schmirler wrote "...I decided upon watercolor or black-and-white illustrations that are especially easy to understand and remember, in order to avoid long written explanations." He does this so easily - each pages has up to 12 illustrations making some of the most complicated processes look easy.

The Blacksmith's Gift : A Christmas Story

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Most Touching Children's Book
Wonderful book
Recommended reading for children who have become disillusioned with the legends and fantasies of Santa Claus
A new Christmas classic for my house.
Impressed!

The Blacksmith's Gift : A Christmas Story
Dan T. Davis
Manufacturer: Second Star Creations
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0972597743

Book Description

The Blacksmith'ss Gift places Santa as a Norwegian carpenter around 1900. He'ss a friend to all the village'ss children, but quietly builds toys only for his own imagined child. When asked to build a dollhouse for the blacksmith'ss daughter, he discovers his life'ss purpose. For children of all ages who question the fantasy stories, but still believe in Christmas miracles.

Customer Reviews:

Most Touching Children's Book.......2007-04-05

This is the most touching, and probably the best children's Christmas book I have ever read. Davis retells the Santa legend in an incredibly beautiful and original fashion. I was planning to read a few pages of it before dinner, and wound up not being able to put it down until I'd finished. I actually shed a few tears about half-way through at the sheer beauty and emotion of the capenter's struggle to provide for his wife and his pain at having no kids. What is most touching about it is that despite what Mr. Kloss is going through, he is so wonderfully kind that he deals with it like a champion. His wife's frustration coupled with deep loving understanding drives the emotion home, and this is all done within the simple style of a children's book!
What's more, the richly colored artwork is featured on nearly every other page, and is most captivating. It compliments the story perfectly.
Though Davis does not forget that his hard working pre-modern Norwegian characters would be God-fearing people and would call the holiday by its earliest name, Christ's Day, I would not pigeon-hole the book or the author in the Christian genre, as another reviewer tried to do without even having read it. The universal message of love and the character's belief in a higher power can be understood by all people.
As Oscar Wilde said, "There is no such thing as a good book or a bad book. Books are either well-written, or poorly written."
And this is an extremely well written book. Any child who doesn't get this book read to him or her every Christmas is really missing out, no matter what faith he or she belongs to.
J. Lyon Layden
The Other Side of Yore

Wonderful book.......2006-10-20

I bought 3 copies of Mr. Davis' book "The Blacksmith's Gift" for each of my youngest grandchildren. They can't even read yet but I was so impressed that I wanted to give each of them a copy to keep for their children and grandchildren. But before I gave it to them I read it myself and loved it. It's such a great story, well written and puts a different perspective on giving, loving and magic. Plus, in our present environment too many authors are being 'politically correct' and not mentioning the reason behind Christmas...."Christ's Day".

I just bought 3 copies of Mr. Davis' 2nd book.."An Orphan's Promise" and received them yesterday. Again, I read the book first and it is a lovely story. Illustrations are beautiful in both books. I felt like I was walking in the snow along with the characters. "An Orphan's Promise" is about a little girl who goes to help Mr. Kloss be a carpenter but is told she can't because she isn't a boy. This book shows that 'yes, you can'. Ruby did not give up on what she wanted to do. Both books are well done and I highly recommend both of Mr.Davis' books. Can't wait for the last one to be published in a year or so.

Recommended reading for children who have become disillusioned with the legends and fantasies of Santa Claus.......2005-10-14

The Blacksmith's Gift identifies Santa Clause as a Norwegian carpenter around 1900 who befriends all of the village children but builds toys only for his own imagined child. It's when he is asked to build a dollhouse for the blacksmith's daughter, that Santa finally discovers his true purpose in life. Dan T. Davis has written a modern masterpiece that is particularly recommended reading for children who have become disillusioned with the legends and fantasies of Santa Claus. The museum quality, full color artwork of Matthew S. Armstrong is a perfect enhancement for a story that can be read with deep pleasure by adults who believe that Christmas is still a time and a season of miracles bringing out the best in men and women. Highly recommended reading for older children, teens, and adults of all ages.

A new Christmas classic for my house........2005-01-10

This book is amazing. I got it home a few days ago and last night I decided to read it. It's a little long for young children (ages 3 and 5) so I read it to myself. This will definately be one we put in the special "Christmas" box, which contains books like The Polar Express, and other books that we only bring out for Christmas so that the stories are looked forward to and remain "special".

I had tears in my eyes by page 10. My wife was busy doing other stuff and my kids were playing, so I just decided to keep reading and hope that nobody saw me. Halfway through the book I had tears dropping on a regular basis. There were a few nitpicky things I had thought of in the first few pages that I would remember to be critical about, but by this time I couldn't even remember what they were. Incredible warmth. That is what I kept thinking as I read this. The author gave them incredible warmth. I'm a sucker for kids, and as a result, most of this story just absolutely broke my heart. Dan wrote in a way that made me connect with the main character even though I have children of my own, but could imagine what it would be like if I had never had them. By the end of the book I couldn't even talk out loud to my wife or kids because my voice was too shaky.

This made me cry, and I loved every minute of it. I would rank it right up with Max Lucado's stories about Wemmicks (if you are familiar with those), and it is better than most of his. I can see that the problem I will probably have is that I don't know if I will ever be able to read this to my kids because I will probably start crying. I don't have a problem crying in front of my kids, and several stories have made me do that, and over time I have gotten over it (to a degree), but I know this will only come out during Christmas, so I doubt I will ever get "used" to the emotions it stirs.

The illustrations were also fantastic. The main character actually looks a lot like the picture of the author. I found that interesting, and also made the illustrations more fun to "study" rather than just glance at. Kudos to the illustrator. I also loved the illustrator's line in the back about thanking his daughter for teaching him that nothing is real unless you can bite it (paraphrased). It was a good laugh after a good cry.

Fantastic book. I hope you write many more, and I will promise to get them.

Just a note. I don't want anyone reading this to think that I viewed this as a sad book, because it isn't. It had a great ending, and there is so much joy in it. It definately will have a very broad appeal.

Impressed!.......2005-01-08

This is a great Christmas story with a bit of Norwegian heritage!

After reading this story, I learned that - a beautiful dollhouse is created, purpose is found (Santa Claus realizes he should give gifts every year), the love of God is revealed (a sweet gift from a little girl to Santa represents God's love), and something legendary is born (the legend of Santa Claus!)

If you are concerned about the religious nature of the story, well, it IS about Christmas - Christ's day, as the story says, so there are a few religious references. There is a nativity near a church and Santa does pray in the story. For me, that made the story even more compelling, as it understood that there is a reason the day is called Christmas.

I think this is a wonderful addition to the Santa Claus legend! It is primarily secular, but does fully understand that Christmas has the word 'Christ' in it.

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