I got the forge going last night for the first time. Since where I live we can only get cows and corn neither of which I wanted to stick into the forge I cobbled together a charcoal maker and used the byproduct. It got hot and didnt smoke, I can see it will take quite a bit (I think, nothing to compare it to). IT WORKED! Now I need to get a bit more serious about learning. I saw a lot of books on the "my favorite books" list. Does anyone recommend 1 or 2 for the absolute green beginner.

I have recently aquired an old coal forge and have never used one. That is why I joined, to learn. I am excited about learning the many ways to manipulate different metals and tools used.
Thanks,
S