{"product_id":"alabama-blast-furnaces-9780817354329","title":"Alabama Blast Furnaces","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003e\u003cb\u003eForging Alabama's legacy: The definitive history of every blast furnace from pioneer charcoal fires to industrial giants.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003ci\u003eAlabama Blast Furnaces\u003c\/i\u003e by Joseph H. Woodward II offers the only comprehensive history of every blast furnace constructed in Alabama between 1815 and 1940, tracing a vital chapter in the state's iron and steel legacy. Beginning with the pioneering Cedar Creek charcoal furnace in 1815, Woodward meticulously chronicles four distinct eras: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003ePioneer Era\u003c\/i\u003e (1815-1861): Early, locally focused furnaces that laid the foundation of Alabama's iron industry;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eCivil War Era\u003c\/i\u003e (1861-1865): Furnaces mobilized for the Confederate war effort, including Northern raids, labor shortages, \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e and innovation under duress;\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eReconstruction Era\u003c\/i\u003e (1866-1879): Transition from stone-stack furnaces toward iron- and steel-shelled technology; and \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e \u003ci\u003eModern Era\u003c\/i\u003e (1880-1940): The rise of large-scale coke-fired plants that propelled Alabama onto the national and international stage. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe heart of the book is a rich series of illustrated, furnace-by-furnace histories--capturing specifics on every site, including four that were built but never operated. With 50 detailed illustrations and rigorous documentation, this reissue--part of the Library of Alabama Classics series--features a new introduction by historian James R. Bennett, who situates Woodward's work in its historical context and underscores its lasting relevance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOriginally compiled in 1940 by a member of the Woodward Iron Company family, the volume remains a seminal reference for scholars, students, and industrial history enthusiasts. Its thorough scope ensures every furnace--whether a modest pioneer operation or a towering industrial complex--has its story preserved. As one reviewer notes, this work covers furnaces that \"made Alabama internationally significant in the iron and steel industry,\" offering a level of detail unmatched in regional history. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e University Alabama Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 09\/01\/2007\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780817354329\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 176\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.63lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.16h x 6.34w x 0.46d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003eScitech Book News\u003c\/i\u003e 03\/01\/2008 pg. 172\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Joseph H. Woodward II","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52715395383477,"sku":"9780817354329","price":16.96,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/alabama-blast-furnaces-9780817354329","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}