Iron for the Eagles

[mcbishop]

D. Sim & I. Ridge, *Iron for the Eagles* (Tempus 2002) ISBN 0 7524 1900 5<br>
<br>
No, it's not about a kid nicking an F16 and dealing with Saddam single-handedly (happens all the time, I gather...), but as the subtitle says 'The Iron Industry of Roman Britain'. Lots of stuff about mining and production, but I suspect the stuff that will appeal to the re-enactors amongst you is that concerned with the production of artefacts (arrows, swords, pila, shield bosses, mail, nails etc etc). David, as most of you probably know, is a smith (not just a blacksmith) so writes from an informed point of view (unlike me, the culmination of whose metalworking career was the production of a rather tacky keyring many many years ago).<br>
<br>
Mike Bishop <p></p><i></i>

[richsc]

My copy just arrived, and in addition to the step by step of the production of such things as a gladius, fire arrow, tanged pilum and dolabra, there are detailed color photographs of bronze chain mail, clearly showing stamped rings and rivets, and the tools required to punch rings, nails, make a forge, and a lot of other detail. <p>Richard Campbell, Legio XX.
http://www.geocities.com/richsc53/studies/ </p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Rich,<br>
Where did you get the book? I tried running the ISBN through Amazon but came up blank. <p></p><i></i>

[richsc]

I got it through Amazon.co.uk, but you can also get it from David Brown/Oxbow books for $28.<br>
<br>
It seems that all the recommendations from Mike Bishop have turned out well: perhaps he is the next Oprah for historical publications? <p>Richard Campbell, Legio XX.
http://www.geocities.com/richsc53/studies/ </p><i>Edited by: <A HREF=http://pub45.ezboard.com/bromanarmytalk.showLocalUserPublicProfile?login=richsc>RichSC</A> at: 10/7/02 1:05:12 am<br></i>

[mcbishop]

I'm not quite sure how to take that - perhaps I should ease up on the historical cream cakes ;-)<br>
<br>
Seriously, though, I only draw these things to the attention of those who frequent the board and are interested in the subject. Just because I say I think it worth a look doesn't mean I endorse, agree, or even consider the death of the requisite number of trees was worthwhile. In fact, some (but thankfully few) of the books I have mentioned are (in my opinion) dire (and I won't even get started on the production values of some of the publishers), but I leave it to the reader to make up their own minds.<br>
<br>
Mike Bishop <p></p><i></i>

[derek forrest]

This book needs to be added to all our libraries . It provides the background to the Roman production of iron and then sets out how to make the various weapons in detail enough for you to have a go provided you have the tools and furnace. Its well written and illustrated with detailed construction plans. What would we ersatz Romans do without Tempus? <p></p><i></i>

[Anonymous]

Does the book include a section on the production of mail or segmented armor during the empire? I'm talking about actual production in support of the Army not reproduction for re-enactments.<br>
thanks,<br>
Jeff <p></p><i></i>

[derek forrest]

Yes it does . It has 4 pages on mail but the references to the production of plate are a bit scattered throughout the book.<br>
Mathews site is still best on the making of a Lorica. <p></p><i></i>

[Gashford]

I have ordered my copy as well ... curses ... it was meant to be here today.<br>
<br>
All the best<br>
<br>
Graham <p></p><i></i>