From Forge & Anvil is the story of one of smithing’s most accomplished, yet little-known, artisans. With this photographic study, writer Candice Leslie and photographer Diane Hopkins-Hughs have restored Erich Riesel to his proper place in the pantheon of ironwork artists. Riesel learned the ironworking trade as an apprentice in Magdeburg, Germany, a 9th-century city noted for steel industry. He was sent to America by his father and began working as a cowboy on a number of ranches in Texas Hill Country. This talented ironworker soon found admirers of his work, and now his ornamental work can be found through Texas Hill Country. Sure to be enjoyed by any admirer of beautiful ironwork.