"For centuries, the history and lore of tinkers, tinners, tinsmiths, and their contemporary counterparts - sheet-metal workers - have been represented through the creation of figurative sculptures known as tin men. In this exploration of tin men and their creators, the labor folklorist Archie Green links tinsmith artistry to issues of craft education, union traditions, labor history, and social class.".

"Crafted from sheet metal and scraps into likenesses that include clowns, knights, cowboys, and L. Frank Baum's Tin Woodman of Oz, tin men have both utilitarian and aesthetic purposes. Some serve as sheet-metal shops' trade signs or prove an apprentice's competence. Others are coveted in boutiques, antique stores, and folk art museums."--BOOK JACKET.