Originally put together by the author as a “how to” manual for students interested in learning the art of the blacksmith, it serves equally well at that task today. A series of excellent line drawings illustrate the techniques and methods of the metalworker as well as the uses of specialized tools for each task. One aspect of this book that recommends it for the home blacksmith is that Harcourt has focused on the making of tools as a course of study in the use of the forge. A modern would-be smith can follow Harcourt’s course of study and end up with many of the tools he will need to expand upon what was learned.