Examines the work and world of rural blacksmiths: wheelwrights; lock, gun, and spoonsmiths; cutlers, farriers, white smiths and general smiths; edge-tool makers and mechanics. It covers the two hundred year evolution of the smithies' shops and presents a portfolio of products of the general smith and the prices charged. Pennsylvania ironware is described through the materials and methods of handling, form and design elements. Biographies and work of over forty documented Pennsylvania smiths are included as well as a list of contemporary blacksmiths in the state.