Amply illustrated and deeply detailed, this classic guide details the creation of grades of steel via heat treatments. It offers fascinating insight into metal manufacturing processes.

Since this guidebook was published in 1914, it carries a certain historic value; at the time, the United States economy was undergoing industrialization. Steel was in high demand, and the technology behind its manufacture was improved upon greatly. The metal's importance could not be understated; the expanding rail networks, new multistory constructions, plus tools and factory machines all required huge quantities of quality metal. As we learn, steel is not a simple product: various grades must be achieved via subtle variations in the heat and techniques applied during its manufacture.

To articulate his points, the author appends over ninety charts and diagrams of equipment. Together these show how the furnaces work, and how the hardness of the metal is varied to meet strict specifications. Certain intense processes receive their own chapter, such as steel for machine tools and the use of the electric furnace, plus alloys and the testing of the finished products. For its breadth of detail and superb understanding, Erik Oberg's work remains readable over a century since its original publication.