Practical forging and art smithing

"Practical Forging and Art Smithing" by Thomas F. Googerty is a guide that teaches the skills of forging and smithing. Written for teachers and students, it provides a detailed and practical guide to metalworking, drawing from the author's experience. It aims to improve knowledge and skill in working with metal, setting the stage for artistic and effective forging techniques. The book starts by pointing out the need for good teaching in industrial skills and the importance of knowing materials and tools to create skillful work. The introduction shows how forging tools have changed over time, noting how modern inventions have made metalworking easier than it used to be. It also suggests the way the author teaches, using exercises that get more complex over time, along with instructions and pictures that clearly show learners how to quickly understand the art and practicality of metalworking.