This book tells the story of the country blacksmith and his importance as the hub of village life. It describes his techniques, tools, and contribution to rural work. It includes the mythology of the blacksmith and the good fortune brought by horseshoes - and which way to hang them up! Thought at one time to be a declining craft, this book highlights the recent revival in blacksmithing with many young people taking up the craft in college course.<br><br>TOC: I: The blacksmith's trade /II: At the smithy /III: Marriages and powerful magic /IV: All in a day's work /V: Decline and wartime /VI: Blacksmith revival /Suggested reading /Places to visit /Index