The global story of coal—and how it powers our economy—now in one concise overview.
This edition examines how coal shapes trade, industry, and the future of nations, with clear explanations for readers new to the topic and those seeking a fuller picture of industrial power.
Coal drives prosperity by fueling factories, ships, and progress. It also creates dependencies, costs, and practical limits that affect everything from shipping to policymaking. The text compares coal resources across countries and explains why geography, transport, and price matter in shaping global markets.
- How coal shapes trade balances and industrial growth beyond simple fuel costs
- Why location, logistics, and mine depth influence prices and competition
- Comparisons of coal fields from Britain to North America and beyond
- Long-term challenges as coal supplies become harder to extract and use
Ideal for readers of economic history and policy, this book sheds light on the forces that have made coal a central pillar of modern civilization. It is a useful guide for anyone curious about how energy shapes nations and their futures.