I received a copy of this new book after I had ceased publication of Blacksmith's Gazette with the December 2006 issue. At the time it came in, I was extremely busy and set the book aside. I just uncovered it today to discover what a treasure trove of design details is it. The book has very little text. It is mostly photographs and photo captions, but is a magnificent idea book with many detailed photographs you seldom see in a book.
The book is divided into six chapters: Chapter 1-Flowers and Nature Chapter 2-Grapes, Vines, and Leaves Chapter 3-Critters with Character Chapter 4-Joining: Punching, Collaring, and Riveting Chapter 5-Wraps and Scrolls Chapter6-Textures, Twists, Folds, and Weaves
If you are looking for an idea to enhance a gate or other structure that you are making, this book will likely give you some ideas that you can use without having to steal someone else's design.
The book was published by Schiffer Publishing Ltd., 4880 Lower Valley Road, Atglen, PA 19310 USA. The book is a hard cover 160 page book with color throughout. Price is $39.95 plus shipping. You can order from the publisher or you can order via Blacksmith's Gazette, PO Box
2168, Snohomish, WA 98291 USA. Shipping will likely run about $5.00.Dona Z Meilach has written a number of books on Metal Working/ Blacksmithing. Over the years, I have been pleased to review most of them. This book is a keeper and should be in every decorative ironworker's library.
Fred Holder