Cast Iron — Jacqueline Fearn (1990, First Edition)

2nd hand book, very good condition, see images

Explore the Material that Forged the Industrial Revolution with Cast Iron by Jacqueline Fearn

Delve into the fascinating industrial and architectural heritage of a material that reshaped the modern world with Cast Iron by respected social history writer Jacqueline Fearn. Published in 1990 by Shire Publications as a highly sought-after volume in their collectible Shire Album series (Volume #250), this first-edition paperback offers a concise, masterfully written introduction to the art, mechanics, and history of iron founding.

During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, cast iron emerged as an absolute wonder material. Robust, durable, and highly cost-effective, it possessed the unique capability of being poured into intricately carved moulds, allowing for mass production without sacrificing fine aesthetic detail. Fearn expertly guides readers through this technical evolution—tracing how iron transformed from a structural necessity for building factories, warehouses, and bridges into a dominant decorative medium for home furnishings, ornate Victorian fireplaces, kitchen ranges, and elegant street architecture.

Spanning 32 high-quality pages, this reference booklet is packed with rare archival photographs, historical drawings, and detailed guides on dating and attribution. It offers a captivating look at legendary ironfounding hubs like the Coalbrookdale Company in Shropshire, examining the immense craftsmanship and design vigour that defined the era.

Why Collectors Love This Book

An indispensable reference for architectural historians, antique collectors, industrial archaeologists, and dedicated fans of Shire Publications, this first-edition copy of Cast Iron perfectly preserves the legacy of the heavy industry that built our modern landscape.

Book Details

Author: Jacqueline Fearn · Publisher: Shire Publications · Year: 1990 · Edition: First Edition · Format: Paperback · Pages: 32 · Dimensions: 21.0 cm × 14.9 cm × 0.3 cm · Weight: 0.08 kg · Language: English