Introduction to the Second Edition
Essen Steel was one of the original class of six books that Eric Flint’s Ring of Fire Press published in 2013. They were all full reprints of stories from The Grantville Gazette magazine with very light editing in most cases. Subsequent volumes ranged from 50% new material to all new material, including Essen Defiant, the sister volume to Essen Steel, that I had the pleasure of co-writing with Kim Mackey.
Ring of Fire Press went on to publish a total of forty-four books set in Eric Flint’s 1632/Ring of Fire universe. In addition, Eric eventually opened up to publishing non-1632 books as well.
Unfortunately, Eric passed away on July 17, 2022, and equally unfortunately, Ring of Fire Press closed its doors not long thereafter.
Fortunately, Baen Books has elected to reissue many of the ROFP 1632 books, including Essen Steel and Essen Defiant. All of us, writers and fans alike, are gratified that this is occurring, and Kim and I hope that you enjoy reading our books as much as we enjoyed writing them.
David Carrico
January 2025