Amateur Books

Astronomy is one of the very few sciences where amateurs can make significant contributions and where amateur contributions are valued by the professional community. I returned to serious astronomy several years ago. I wanted to do more than just star gaze and taking pretty photos (which I still love). If you have felt the same way, then this book is a must read. Buchheim presents a plethora of different research programs that can be undertaken with modest (or even no) equipment. One of my particular interests is photometry, the measurement of light to study such things as variable stars and asteroid light curves. Buchheim takes the novice through all of the concepts and presents this material in a manner that allows the reader to understand the basic concepts and how to undertake a number of observing programs from differential photometry to all-sky to asteroid light curves The same is true for astrometry and the search for asteroids. And, these are just two of the areas of research discussed. In short, if you want to move from "just observing," and get into astronomical research and make valued contributions to science, this book will guide you through to success.

Most of the topics in this book will be somewhat beyond those that a casual amateur astronomer would want to pursue. However, the book is worth buying just for what you will learn about the different topics. Of course, if you want to try some of the scientific work then you are all set with the material given.

Worth a read for the in depth discussion of observation, imaging with CCDs, practical issues with both, and an understanding of observational and imaging science.

I recommend it.

I agree with the other reviews I've seen here: this book is excellent!

Are you ready to move beyond visual observing or taking CCD pix for aesthetic appreciation? Do you want to feel like you're doing a bit of science? If you answered yes to these questions, then this is undoubtedly a good book for you. It contains a survey of a wide range of areas where YOU, with relatively inexpensive amateur gear, can do observations that go far beyond the "Oh, isn't that pretty!" (Not, though, that I have anything against "pretty!")

This book is well written, and unlike many other books in our hobby, gets into the nitty-gritty details of how-to-do-it! It's well written and the author speaks with authority. Each chapter has an excellent reference at its end. Using these references allows you to do additional reading.

Although it doesn't go into much depth on the topic, this book has a short and adequate introduction on spectroscopy. The overview is good and it has references on where to find further info. I've found spectroscopy very exciting. Without much work, with a simple webcam & tiny scope, in the city, without a lengthy or complicated observing program, you can be analyzing the composition of distant stars! Now THAT'S science! (The Rainbow Optics or StarAnalyser spectroscopes are a great introduction.)

This is a really neat book! It opens up a whole new kind of amateur astronomy;real research projects where you make observations that are useful to professional astronomers.Amateur astronomers can gather new information or make new dsicoveries,using skills that are common amoung experienced stargazers,and equipment that is widely available. Here is a step-by-step instruction manual for getting started in these projects,from learning why each project area is important, to the equipment and procedures that are needed, and how to analyze your results.The chapters are organized roughly in order of increasing difficulty of the projects, from simple(naked-eye meteor counting) to complex (extra solar planet searches and supernova discovery). I was paticularly pleased that each project includes an explaination of how and where to submit your results, so that they will be useful to "real" astronomers.
I do not think there is any compairable book available. There are plenty of "advanced observing guides", and many "textbooks",but this book fits right in between them. It gives careful description of celestial objects or events,and how and why you should try to see them, so it's sort of an observing guide(although there are not any spectacular photos).It also explains why the observations are important,and gives a meticulous explaination of the data gathering and analysis procedures for each project,so it is sort of a textbook. But it is not stuffy,pedantic tome. The style is friendly,helpful and encouraging. There are some equations,but if you made it through high school algebra they will not give you any trouble(and only some projects require you to use them).There is even a story line! Short tales about challenges,successes,and memorable experiences are scattered throughout the text. They make it easy to read,and highlite the author's enthusiasm for his subject.
Any amateur atronomer who has ever wished he could be a "real scientist" will definitely find this book worth having on his desk.

For amateurs who have passed the beginner rites of the Messier and Caldwell lists, Buchheims's _Sky_ contains the measured voice of the elder mentor of your astronomy club. If that expert mentor is lacking in your local club, Buchheim's _Sky_ is a must buy that will save you in time many times its purchase. Each _Sky_ observing project is written like an after star-party club coffee meeting, with Buchheim patiently guiding you through practical field problems commonly encountered when starting photometry, double star astrometry or supernovae searching. He includes references to landmark manuals, amateur organizations and internet resources for each topic. Where appropriate, Buchheim fills in with basic observing skills that are often left unexplained as assumed knowlege in other texts, e.g. timing uncertainty reduction when timing asteriod occultations. For this Amazon review, the 18 observing projects are listed in the Table of Contents, listed above. _Sky_ now sits on my "ready reference" shelf - sandwiched between other amateur classics - like Berry's _HAIP_, Sidgwick's _Amateur Astronomer's Handbook_, North's _Advanced Amateur_ or Meeus's _Algorithms_. If you have been hooked in the hobby for two or three years and want a roadmap to the next 10 years, Buchheim's _Sky_ is what you need.

Let's get straight to the point: I found this product very (very) useful to know what stuff to get if you're planning to make your own home recording stuido or if you already have one and you need more gear and don't know what's the best choice. The book is a really good guide to places and internet sites where you can get the best stuff, from cheap to expensive, from used to new, from amateur to pro. It's for everyone! You don't need to have a thick wallet to start your own studio.

There's some do-it-yourself tips (how to wire cables, how to construct racks, how to make pedalboards, and so on) that I don't find quiete interesting 'cause I'm the kind of guy that prefer to buy insted of making'em with my hand... but I'm sure if you're not like me you'll spend hours of fun doing building or making your own gear.

The book have also have general information about the recording process with a clear and easy language. If you're a recording veteran this info will seems to you kinda "light", but this is the idea, right?

So, as I said in the beginning, I'm using this book more as a buying guide than a recording/mixing consult book. Complement it with this killer home-recording book by Karl Coryat: Guerrilla Home Recording: How to Get Great Sound from Any Studio (No Matter How Weird or Cheap Your Gear Is)

the author has a very personable and easy-going approach to a sometimes daunting subject...easy to read and full of helpful information for anyone who is interested in learning what is truly needed to make home recordings...I highly recommend this book...

For the uneducated, such as myself, this book is simply great. I plan to initiate my own home recording studio and this book certainly has pointed me in the right directions as to what to purchase. Highly suggested reading for the recording enthusiast!

Sound Recording Advice For The Home Recording Studio by John J. Volanski (an electrical and audio engineer who has operated his own home recording studio for more than 20 years) is a straightforward reference manual and instructional guide to the ins and outs of creating and operating a home sound recording studio. Focusing on the dedicated musician who may not be completely up-to-date on the latest technical jargon, Sound Recording Advice offers an invaluable series tips, tricks, and techniques for getting the most out of one's equipment. Written in accessible and easy-to-understand terms, Sound Recording Advice is very highly recommended for novice home sound recorders who aspire to professional performance standards for their work.

As a musician and home recording hobbyist for many years, I've been looking for a book like this for a long time! It is clearly written and right on target for answering the kind of questions I have. For example, given my budget what should I consider for my next piece of gear as I expand my studio? The book not only answers this question, but details 7 example studio configurations from under $500 up to $5000. It includes a lot of recommendations for particular brands and models of gear and where to shop for them. This guide is great for getting the best "bang for your buck."
I found this book easy to read from beginning to end (the approach I recommend for anyone just getting started who wants a good overview of what it's all about), but it is also well organized, making it a very quick and useful reference book when you just want to look something up.
Here are a few questions (there were many) that this book helped me answer as I pondered about expanding my home recording studio: What are some of the new recording formats and which ones should I consider? Should I incorporate a computer in my studio or just use standalone gear? I want to upgrade to a better mic; can you recommend a mic for recording acoustic guitar and vocals in my price range? Should I buy used gear? How can I sync up an analog reel-to-reel recorder with my MIDI sequencer? How should I mic my piano? The book answers these and a ton of other questions that home recording enthusiasts ask themselves all the time.
On the back cover of the book it asks this question: "Wouldn't you rather spend less time wrapped up in technical gibberish and more time making and recording your own music?" My answer: "YES!!! THAT'S EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!!!"
That's what this book is helping me do. It's helping me put the right gear in place so I can do what I really wanted to do all along...record my music...and do it well!!!

We enjoy star gazing, and this is a perfect book for learning about what we're looking at. Very well written and very easy for a "novice" to follow without getting too "scientific".

I loved this book, as did my father who is now 87 years of age. We just want Mr. Shaffer to write an updated book so we can see the constellations in the future years ahead!!

This is one of those books from which you can take as much or as little as you want. Shaffer is not intent on making an in-depth astronomer out of everyone (although if that's what you're bound for, this book will be a fine first leg up). His presentation is clear and friendly, good for browsing, for reference, or for reading straight through. Use it however suits you.

The first three chapters cover basics -- longitude and latitude and why they matter; how to read sky maps; paths of the sun, moon, and planets; basic terms; how telescopes work; etc. These might sound like intimidating topics but they're covered in just enough depth and not a bit more (e.g. "A Very Short Primer on Light").

A nice feature is on page two, a section titled "If You're in a BIG Hurry, What to Read First" (i.e. what parts of this book).

After discussion of telescopes, including how to choose one and what to do with it, there are five chapters on sky-watching. First there's the close stuff: artificial satellites, the moon... and then there's the farther away stuff: planets, stars, nebulas, groups of galaxies.

There's a sky map for each month; the maps are easy to read. Beginner that I was, with this book I was able to identify a few stars I'd noticed several nights in a row -- turned out to be one side of Orion. The fact that what I saw in the sky was recognizable on the map here is a big plus.

This is a book that will last you long past the very-beginner stage.

If you enjoyed the "Star Wars" and "Star-Trek" films, and your visits to your local planetarium, you're in for a treat. This book helps you uncover stars, comets, galaxies, nebulas, planets on your own time. Equipped with the maps, photographs and the space parameters given you in this book, you can step out at night in your own back yard, gaze at the sky and chart your own course. No rocket ships included. You won't need them to apply this excellent handbook to the heavens.

If you're new to backyard astronomy and are seeking a guide, here's the ticket. This covers all the bases, from the moon, sun, planets, and constellations to the locations of deep-sky objects, from lunar and solar observations to how to pick and set up the appropriate telescope (good information from a man who has designed award-winning telescopes). Shaffer starts at the beginning with the basic layout of the night sky and continues into greater detail without getting overly technical or confusing the neophyte. Every topic is presented in a friendly and engaging manner, with touches of dry humor, that eases the unfamiliar into the techniques of backyard astronomy without overwhelming them. Along the way he adds details about general scientific concepts as needed (such as explaining photons and spectrums) and includes sky maps, charts, graphs and other things to help guide the reader.An altogether excellent guide.

I love Kate Delafield! It s not too often when a dectective series starring a woman can hold it's own book after book. Kate's character is fully formed and not at all one dimensional. You see how she struggles to remain tough in what was definetly a ma's job in the 1980's. You also see her struggle with her sexuality and how it affects those around her. Thank you Katherine V. Forrest for a great series.

Where have I been all these years? I missed Katherine Forrest, I missed Kate Delafield -and now that I've found them both, this is it - I want them all!! What a marvelous read! Thank goodness its summer and I can read all I want, so here goes. I'm buying all I see, reading all I can. Forrest is an excellent author, I'd read other things, just not the Delafield series. I'm the biggest fan these days.
VERY contemporary, don't let the date throw you. Its very NOW and hot.
Read read read!

If I'd read the Delafield series in order, I'd have given this a higher ranking, but Nightwood and Malibu are better. Great start for the series though. Good mystery story, and nice portrayal of the "love story."

If you haven't read the Kate Delafield books, now is the time to start! Ms. Forrest puts more effort into character development than any other author I've read, bar none. Each book in the series is chock full of intriguing, plausible suspects, and the returning characters change and grow throughout the series. Great work! As for the who-dun-it aspect, I've solved only a couple before the final secret's revealed. I figure most mysteries out around the half-way mark.

This is the first book in a remarkable series. Women, lesbians and mystery-holics are bound to enjoy it... as is any intelligent mind.

What a book! And what a nice man... For anyone out there who thinks they may not be doing such a great job at this parent thing it's a great read... you realise that you're actually not doing too bad, that you can't be perfect all the time and are allowed to make mistakes - and learn from them, because after all that's what they're for. It makes you think, then it hits you that however long your childs life is it isn't that long at all... I for one will take a little step back, take a deep breath and enjoy my son a little more.

One of my favorite memories growing up was sitting around the fire pit in my grandparent's backyard. Those summer nights with the crisp breezes would carry embers of the roaring fire my Grandfather couldn't help feeding. With every twig or twist of paper he's poke in, a story would ignite. Its those "I remember when's" that educated me, inspired me, molded me and triggered my youthful imagination.

Now, thirteen years after his passing, the embers no longer blow in the crisp breeze . . . but the "I remember when's" are continuing on. Only now, instead of embracing my Grandfather's spirited recollections and insights, it is the words of others I am capturing. William Isaac Douglas, author of the Amateur Parent, pens the words of the latest "I remember when's" and tales of insight I drank in.

These words, however, are different. Douglas intertwines lessons and pieces of nostalgic moments into bits of writing and pieces of poetry all sprinkled with wit and humor. At just the right moment, you'll find quotations from singers, writers and the like. While learning about him and his family, you can't help but learn about you and yours.

This inspirational work, comprising of 154 pages, is a relatively quick read. I wasn't able to put it down - each turn of the page unfolded a mystery both within the life of his amateur parenthood and my own. I found myself related to a lot of what he wrote and expecting to experience that which had nothing to do with me or my family. This book taught me that the journey never ends and the journey of my own parents continues.

Jennifer Hollowell -- Editor -- This Book Reviewer

WOW, this book sent me through a full spectrum of emotions. I was laughing, crying, and completely inspired by it's words. The book touched me deep in my heart.

I read it on my way to Washington DC this past week. I just got home this evening. It allowed me to view my fellow man in a new
light while I walked the countries capital.

Dr. Michael Steward, Sr.
Team USA -- Senior Coach

Bill Douglas has written a fine book about parenting, but this book is so much more. It's about learning and teaching, and mostly it's about love.

"One of the things parenthood has done for me, or "to me", is that I have been forced to see my parents with wholly new eyes -- in a way meeting them for the very first time." "I am so grateful to my children for helping me rediscover my childhood, and my parents as the real people they were, struggling to do a good job -- just like you and I are."

This understanding, that children are basically innocent, and we parents bring them out learning experiences, not meaning to teach them prejudice or anger or hostility, is Bill's revelation. "Each new generation is proof that God has not given up on us," says Bill, quoting Deepak Chopra.

The Amateur Parent gets you to look inside yourself and the journey you've made so far. And understand that respect for God-like innocence children are born with is the same respect we must share with all of humankind. After being rough on his daughter because she wouldn't listen, Bill reflected, "I think when I get home we'll have a talk, about what they need, and what I want. Then maybe we'll hold hands and walk a new path . . . a little higher than fear . . . a little farther than wrath."

The Amateur Parent is about wisdom and courage and beauty. William Isaac Douglas has discovered and now imparts the importance of loving and understanding and respecting one another. And he does it with grace and humor and timeless insight. If you can read only one more book, that book should be THE AMATEUR PARENT - A Book on Life, Death, War and Peace, and Everything Else in the Universe.

Richard Fuller -- Senior Editor -- Metaphysical Reviews

"The ARRL Handbook for Radio Communications" has been the bible of amateur radio since 1926. The 80th edition carries on in the tradition set by prior editions by providing an outstanding overview of practical electronics as well as a wide range of information and over 60 projects on amateur radio communications.

The "Handbook" starts with information on what amateur radio is, from the variety of people who are involved in the hobby to how to get started as a radio amateur. The book reviews the wide range of activities available to radio amateurs, with discussions of everything from emergency communications to Amateur Radio contests and awards. There's also a glossary of ham radio terms.

The book continues with the fundamentals of electronics theory. First is a review of the mathematics required for applied electronics. For those who need a refresher, the chapter provides an excellent review of electronics mathematics, from significant figures and equations to complex algebra and logarithms. It also includes examples to help those with little prior background in math understand the principles involved.

Next, the book discusses the fundamentals of electronics, from DC theory to AC theory, including both resistive and reactive components. This is followed with information on digital signal theory that starts with the basics of binary logic and builds up through computer hardware. The section on electronics theory wraps up with a discussion of analog signal theory. This chapter covers the various circuits used in radio communications and the devices used in these circuits, from the ubiquitous transistor to integrated circuits. Each of the chapters in the fundamental theory section has a glossary of the terms introduced in that chapter.

Fully half of the handbook covers practical radio design and related projects. This section of the handbook starts off with a chapter on safety practices for radio communications that discusses antenna and tower safety, electrical wiring including grounding, RF radiation, and other dangers encountered in radio (it's amazing how many chemical hazards there are in a radio shack!).

The rest of the design and projects section covers virtually everything in modern communications, from the characteristics of components at RF frequencies to power supplies and from communications filters to radio wave propagation. In each chapter, there is a review of the basic theory on the topic followed by projects that apply the theory. In addition, the projects are of practical items that the radio amateur will need.

For example, the chapter on Antennas discusses the theory of how antennas work. Following a discussion of dipoles and half-wave antennas, there are four projects for building dipole antennas for HF operation on various bands. There is similar information for vertical, yagi, and quad antennas, as well as discussions about antennas for mobile operations; each followed by one or more projects.

The Handbook includes chapters on construction techniques including information on electronics components, how to use common electronics tools, circuit construction tips, electronics test instruments, and electronic system troubleshooting and repair techniques. There are several related projects, including a frequency counter and several signal generators.

The ARRL Handbook bills itself as "The comprehensive RF Engineering Reference." I believe the handbook lives up to this statement and more. As a practicing RF engineer in the past, I can attest to the usefulness of the handbook to radio technicians and radio engineers. My team and I referred to the ARRL Handbook constantly in designing and maintaining MF, HF, VHF, and UHF installations.

As an instructor, I continue to find the ARRL Handbook as a useful reference for both Communications Systems classes, but also as an excellent resource for basic electronics circuits and components. I'm currently using the fundamental theory portions in the study sessions I hold for those preparing for electronics technician certifications.

This is an outstanding book for anyone interested in amateur radio or wireless communications. I also strongly recommend it as a reference for radio technicians and radio engineers.

Review by Mike Powers, Radideo.com Guide, January 2003

I have been involved in the hobby for less than a year and am a non-technical person. This book is a real work of art for what I would call a "technical user" or "technician". The manual is a superb desk referance.
However, for the greenhorn, ARRL has other books that are written at a more simple level and there is also a "Dummies" title that is a pretty good book in spite of the heavy overlap with "Now You're Talking".
There is content on antenna installation and principals that even newbies can understand, but again, ARRL has some titles that are targeted toward this need.

This book, published by the Amateur Radio Relay Lague, is a must-have item for any serious amateur radio operator.

Any question you might have about RF, antennas, tuners, amplifiers, and so on are in this book.

I would recommend this book to any ham who's interested in working HF or building antennas. It's not really necessary for most new hams who are planning on working two meters for awhile since most of the information doesn't really apply to working 144MHz on a handheld.

Otherwise, pick up a copy. I wouldn't buy one every year since the technology doesn't change that much, but support the League and get a great book by buying this item.

When I recently picked up the newest edition of the ARRL Handbook, the first thing I noticed was that they had changed the subtitle from ?For the Radio Amateur? to ?For Radio Communications?. This was done to reflect the fact that a large percentage of these handbooks are purchased by non-amateurs. Electrical Technicians and Engineers, Laboratories and Researchers often have a copy on their shelves. So with the 80th edition they made the slight name change to better appeal to the wider audience of active users. The book covers just about any major category of radio communications one can think of from Fundamental Theory, to Construction Techniques to Operating Practices. It is a excellent reference source for anyone with a question about radio. Off course for anyone with a very specific interest the ARRL has other books that deal with a more specialized subject, but for a starting point I would purchase this book first.

The book is published on a yearly basis, but since the soft cover copy I purchased retails for $34.95, I wouldn?t purchase a new copy every year. The basic technology doesn?t change that fast, most of the yearly changes are adding and removing projects. The new edition does have revised chapters, including ones on Modulation Sources and Digital Signal Processing, but I wouldn?t run out to purchase it if I had last year?s copy, unless I had a specific interest in the new material. Personally I have a hard cover edition from the 80?s and a CD edition from the late 90?s and much of the basic information is still the same. I would recommend for the average user that they purchase a new copy every 5 to 10 years unless they have a specific need. I might also recommend alternating between paper copies and CDs. CDs are archival and easy to store and duplicate (for back up purposes of copyrighted material), but for manuals of this sort it is also convenient to have a hard copy to thumb through at their workbench.

Reviewed by Trip for Huntress Reviews.

I have built almost everything in the book. I made a few mistakes because I misinterpreted the drawings, but if you study the drawings very carefully before construction then you will truly enjoy this book. Author needs to write another book like this. Watch the interpretation of Dado and rabbet joints in particular.

This book was the first that I picked up when I started building my own furniture. The projects turned out great and the finishing process that he recommended was excellent. The diagrams and step by step instruction give you all the information that you need to complete each project even if you're an amateur like I am (you do need to have/buy some good power tools though). I've made two of the projects he describes and there are still a couple more I'd like to do.

I would classify myself as an intermediate level woodworker and a book expert (I am a librarian after all) and I can honestly say that this is one of the absolute best books of its type on the market. As I see it, the normal downfall of a book such as this is the authors either spend way too much time giving us all of the philosophical and historical background behind the furniture style in question, or once they actually get to the furniture projects section they disappoint by selecting such rare (and odd) pieces to reproduce that the book ultimately becomes more of a novelty rather than a useful tool.

I am thrilled to say that the authors of this book got the balance between philosophy and practical matters just right. There is just enough about Arts and Crafts fundamentals here to whet the appetite for the projects which follow. And speaking of the projects, this is good stuff! Out of the twenty two projects offered in this book, I can honestly say that I would be very happy to build fifteen of them and put them in my own home. In a book this size I am usually lucky if half of the projects are appealing enough to want to build them for myself, and keep in mind that I am a HUGE fan of this furniture style.

Bottom line is that the color illustrations (although minimalist to the beginner's eye) are compelling to the more skilled among us, the choice of projects is excellent, and the bibliography of suggested reading is very good. I highly recommend this purchase.

This is a good A&C furniture book for the intermediate woodworker. The authors cover pieces from the simple (wastebasket) to the more difficult (entry bench, sideboard). A nice touch is that besides covering the usual Gustav Stickley pieces there are items by other A&C companies of the time (Shop of the Crafters, Limbert, Greene & Greene [actually architects, but they designed the furniture for their buildings], L & J.G. Stickley, Roycroft). The introductory chapter covers a brief history of the style, next is an introduction to some of the general woodworking techniques needed, and then the various projects with good photographs and explanations (there are a couple of minor editorial glitches, but they cause no real problems). The projects also vary from a duplicate of the original to slightly modified interpretations. A useful technique is given for staining/glazing the furniture to achieve the traditional golden brown color without actually having to fume the pieces in concentrated ammonia (a smelly, dangerous, and potentially lethal approach). So if you are a somewhat experienced beginning woodworker, you should find some great projects here to move you on to the next level. And even if you are a very experienced furniture maker, you will find some nice pieces you might want to make too.

Martha Smith is entertaining and light. A great read to lighten your heart and load after working outside in the heat all day.

I found this gardening memoir to be both feisty and funny. I love the way Martha Smith describes her "Mae West Memorial Garden". I could almost smell the lilacs and dahlias as I was reading. For anyone who loves gardening essays with a humorous slant this book is a must read!!

My husband and I are both avid gardeners and on a recent road trip, I read this book aloud to him as he drove and he almost wrecked from laughing so hard. This is a very funny book and the author knows too well the joys as well as the back-breaking hard work that gardening can be. My favorite chapter - "Canna lily kill you?" - a must read for gardeners who enjoy a spike of humor.

This is a must read for anyone who loves the joy of gardening and knows it's Nature's Prozac. Smith is a funny, witty, spirited writer and my only woe was that it was too short. Yes, 300 plus pages was simply not enough of her wonderful outlook on life and gardening and people and giving. As a writer and writing teacher, I'm sensitive to good writing and Martha Smith's work exceeded my expectations.

Please take my advice and read this collection. Then go out and get your hands dirty. You'll be in good company. I'd say more, but my garden and my dog are waiting!

I have not found a book that covers everything anybody needs to know about decks, but this is the most thorough one I have seen...lots of good pictures. I still don't know how much I should pay for my deck though. I guess I'll have to get multiple quotes from contractors to make sure I'm not overpaying for it.

Searched through many how-to books before a friend let me borrow this one. It provided all of the specific information I needed to actually build a deck. The others were wastes of money.

This book provides complete, concise, clear, step-by-step instructions for deck building. Great photos clarify text and make the project seem exciting. I bought two books on decks and returned the other...this one had everything I needed.

This will be the only reference that you will need to build either a porch or a deck. Far superior to any of the other three deck books I used from a library. A must own!

A great book to enable you to understand the basics of blacksmithing. It isn't just about smahing a lump of redhot iron with a hammer but also about the fundamentals of the metal and what you can achieve with a good pounding.
An excellent book.

Great book, read each page over and over and it arrived in a timely manner.

For the prospective blacksmith and artisan in metal-craft, we have an invaluable learning resource in Mr. McDaniel's thorough text.

Divided into three sections, the manual begins with a description and use of all the necessary equipment you will need, such as the anvil, forges (gas or coal fired), tongs, hammers, and miscelleneous other items. There is advice in setting up the shop.

Section 2 advises you on hammering technique, metals utilized, fires, and heating of metal.

Section 3 encompasses a great bulk of information, the instructions for various projects. Here you will learn to make such practical hardware as hooks, chains, hinges & pintels, nails, and handles. There is instruction various type of welds, heat treatment, finishes, scrolling and collaring. Of great importance, is instruction in making tools: tongs, chisels, forks. Purely decorative projects are also covered, a detailed segment descibes the steps to forging ornamental heads.

This book is a must have for every beginning or intermediate blacksmith. It details the process of blacksmithing from the start till the end, beginning with the building of your own forge to making tools and even some elaborate door knockers. This is all written in a very easy to understand and easy to read style. The only drawback is the way the book looks. It is bound in a rather amateuristic way for a book of this quality. That's the only reason why I didn't give it five stars. So despite that the information within this book is certainly worth it.