Description
Mining is Britain's oldest industry, and this book follows the men and, in the past, women who spent their lives working underground. Since the New Stone Age various minerals have been wrested from British soil - copper, tin, gold, lead - but in later periods the key commodity was coal. Those who worked in the mines were constantly battling on two fronts: there was the continual danger of flood and explosion; and the often bitter struggles against the mine owners. This story is also one of invention and innovation, looking particularly at how the independent miners of Cornwall and Devon were at the forefront of the development of the steam engine that was to transform society. This, the second book in an exciting new series looking at Britain's most dangerous industries, is a tale of blood, sweat and death among a courageous and close-knit community that has now all but passed into history.
About the Author
Anthony Burton is an author specialising in the history of technology and transport. His books for The History Press include The Anatomy of Canals, The Iron Men, Navvies, and The Workers' War. Other books include biographies of Thomas Telford, Richard Trevithick, George and Robert Stephenson and Marc and Isambard Brunel. He has been involved in over 100 TV documentaries, half as writer/presenter and others as historical adviser, and appeared as a guest expert on Coast, Reel History and Big, Bigger, Biggest. He lives in Stroud.
Book Information
ISBN 9780752484785
Author Anthony Burton
Format Paperback
Page Count 176
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
