This book by Robert B. Gordon, is a history of iron making in what is now the U.S. It has good photos, drawings, and charts, and talks about the ores used and smelting methods over the centuries. Gordon knows his oatmeal. He is professor of geophysics and applied mechanics at Yale University. The book is excellent, has 341 pages including a glossary and comprehensive bibliography. Good index. 1996 The Johns Hopkins University Press. ISBN 0-8018-5181-5

As always Frank, thank you for the educational book links. Brain food is good.