Iron and Steel: From Thor's Hammer to the Space Shuttle (Material World)

Gr. 5-7. This title in the Material World series chronicles humankind's use of iron and steel from the Iron Age to the present. Much of the emphasis is on how processing and refining have changed during the centuries, including discussion of the chemical changes that occur in the refining process, the techniques of steel making in a modern mill, and the new inventions and industries that emerged from changing techniques. Some insight into the current depressed state of the American steel industry would have been useful, but the author does consider the impact of modern steel production on the environment. Color pictures show some of the dramatic uses of iron and steel (the Brooklyn Bridge and Eiffel Tower) as well as a few archeological finds from the Iron Age. Back pages feature a map of ancient civilizations that were important in the development of the metals, a glossary, a time line, and a short bibliography. Todd Morning
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Grade 4-6-An attractive and readable history of the discovery and uses of iron through the development of steel and its place in the modern world. Kassinger begins with the Hittites and wrought iron and continues through the Chinese development of cast iron and India's first use of steel weapons. Her description of our knowledge of iron includes early myths, superstitions, and legends about it, and continues with theories of the ancient Greeks. The gradual development of different kinds of steel is discussed; descriptions of uses of iron and steel in railroads, construction, bridge building, motors, magnets, and around the house are included. Sidebars include anecdotes, obsolete beliefs, and additional facts. Appealing color photos and reproductions of old prints depict both modern and ancient examples of iron and steel, their production and applications.
Jeffrey A. French, Euclid Public Library, OH
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