This comprehensive book explores and illustrates the importance of Copper and its alloys – brass, bronze and paktong – in the lives of early Americans. It starts off with informative essays covering mining and manufacturing techniques, and then illustrates dozens of stunning copper pieces in color photos. The last part of the book pictures and discusses more than 300 individual copper pieces which are organized by function into sections. Also included is a thorough glossary, bibliography and index. This book is first of its kind and is an important resource for understanding these metals and their place in early American life.