Synopses & Reviews
Mining is Britains oldest industry, and this book tells the story of the men and, in the past, women who spent their lives working underground. Geographically the book covers the regions of Devon and Cornwall, Leicester and Nottingham, Yorkshire and Lancashire, Durham and Northumberland, South Wales and Southern Scotland. This is a dramatic story, telling of two wars, the fight against the dangers of floods and explosions and the often bitter struggle against the mine owners. It is also a story of invention and innovation, in particular how the independent miners of Cornwall and Devon were at the forefront of the development of the steam engine that was to transform society. But above all it is a story of a courageous and close-knit community that has now all but passed into history.
About the Author
ANTHONY BURTON has to date published 70 books, including The Anatomy of Canals Vols 1-3, Canal 250 and Matthew Boulton for The History Press. He has worked extensively in television as a writer and presenter and recently as an expert, appearing in Big, Bigger, Biggest for Channel 5, Thomas Telford for BBC Scotland, an episode of Coast and most recently discussing canal navvies on The One Show. He will shortly be appearing with Melvyn Bragg on Reel History of Britain. As well as being a historic adviser for the Discovery series, he is currently writing articles for Countryfile and Canal Boat. A regular contributor to Railways and Canals Historical Society Journal, Anthony is also a regular presenter on BBC 1s Inside Out. Anthony lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire.