The Bible in Iron;

The Bible in Iron, Volume 1, is a detailed study of cast-iron stoves and stove plates created by Pennsylvania Germans. This work of history and Pennsylvania Dutch folk art examines the intricate religious iconography and classical texts found on these colonial objects. Henry Mercer analyzes the European origins of this decorative cast-ironwork and its subsequent development across North America.

The text provides a comprehensive analysis of over two hundred stoves located within the Pennsylvania region. By focusing on Christian art and symbolism, the author explores the spiritual and cultural life of the Pennsylvania Dutch. This scholarly volume documents the images and inscriptions of these stoves, offering a unique perspective on a previously overlooked aspect of early American decorative arts.