Coal: A Human History

I didn't expect a great deal from this book, however, it delivered exponentially less than I had expected. From the outset it was apparent that the author was merely using this polemic ( there can be no other word for it ) to establish her green credentials. The author attempts to create the illusion of a balanced argument but her, not particularly covert, left bias turns the book into nothing other than a second rate political tract. Inadvertently, the author, as early as page 17, chapter two, delivers a damaging, one might almost say potentially fatal, blow to the climate change argument by recruiting the planet itself and admitting the existence of continental drift. Yes! The world turns on its axis, occasionally tilts, the continents drift, the seas rise, ( and fall ,) ice caps melt and change location all without the intervention of nasty mankind. Even had 'dirty' power sources not existed, climate change would still occur. However, I digress.I wasn't expecting a technical tome but, the lack of technical data showed the author's intent to add to the complete and utter obfuscation that the green lobby purport to represent as fact. Any figures are poorly supported by the paltry entries in the otherwise massive notes section and, one surmises, this may only be to buttress her argument, the general reader, however, does not want to be sent in some wild goose chase through other references but, they do want the FACTS laid before them then and there.The content of this book is on a par with the kind of general text books issued at primary school in the 1950s ( which I venture is the unquestioning, easily moulded mind and potential target audience the author seeks to influence) but lacking the cogent argument and trenchant observation one would have a right to expect.The best use for this book is as a source of warmth, it should burn quite well.All in all, a complete and utter waste of time, money and energy.

Wonderful book.Ok, so "Coal", not a great title you're thinking? If so, I can assure you you'd be wrong. This is a great book, so good in fact that I bought it again on audio CD so that my partially blind farther might be able to enjoy it to.Whether you are interested in the development of Western civilization, the struggles of the Trade Union movement, industrial diseases of children, the empowerment of the Asian continent, the effects of carbon dioxide, global warming, or why people prefer open fires to stoves, it's all here. Coal isn't a "thing" its a whole way of life. My only criticism is that the book finishes to soon: It would have been nice if it had been able to considered the knock of the removal of coal generated electricity in the UK, the subsequent loss of bulk transport revenues on the railways and the transfer of railway costs to commuter traffic.

Iwould have preferred it to be more about British Coal Mining

This book was so interesting I wrote a song based on it![...]I have written quite a few mining songs but this book gave me a new perspective.I am a great fan of the book.Ed PickfordPS I sent the song 'I Am Coal' to the author Barbara Freese & thanked her for her work.

Makes you realise what an easy life we have and how we should recognise the struggles for the rights we have today

Coal yeah nice

Very informative and will be passing it around our family. Had no idea how important coal had been in our history

Excellent quick and easy read. Now thoroughly briefed on coal’s influence on our history and what we need to do to stop its damaging effects going forward.