Are there any books on this subject? I was curious about ancient to century old forges. Forges that predate the steel and iron forges we see so often today.

Thanks :)

I have never come across any books dedicated to the topic of forges. Mostly you are likely to find drawings and references on forges in books on the topics of technology, warfare and history of a period of time.

De Re Metallica mid 16th century, Mechanic Exercises mid 17th century, Diderot's encyclopedia late 18th century, and a passle of paintings, engraving, illuminations, etc

Secondary sources include "The Master and Uses of Fire in Antiquity", "Egyptian Metalworking and Tools", and tons of archeological reports