Introduction

Originally published in 1889, this is a comprehensively detailed study of the iron work and tool making industries and the men who led them, written by the acknowledged master of industrial biography. Many of the earliest books, particularly those dating back to the 1900s and before, are now extremely scarce and increasingly expensive. Hesperides Press are republishing these classic works in affordable, high quality, modern editions, using the original text and artwork.

Contents Include

Iron and Civilization

Beginnings of the Iron-Manufacture in Britain

Iron Smelting By Pit-Coal, Dud Dudley

Andrew Yarranton

Coalbrookdale Iron Works, The Darbys and Reynoldses

Invention of Cast Steel, Benjamin Huntsman

The Inventions of Henry Cort

The Scotch Iron Manufacture, Dr. Roebuck, David Mushet

Invention of the Hot Blast, James Beaumont Neilson

Mechanical Inventions and Inventors

Joseph Bramah

Henry Maudslay

Joseph Clement

Fox of Derby, Murray of Leeds, Roberts and Whitworth of Manchester

James Nasmyth

William Fairbairn

Weapons and Implements of Copper, Bronze and Iron

Smelting of Iron by Coke

Invention of the Slide-Rest

Mr. Babbage's Calculating Machine