A Concise History of Mining

This work is mostly concerned with the how, where, and when questions of the history of mining with little material attempting to relate to wider trends in class politics, economic, or geopolitics. The first half of the book tells the story of mining as it developed from the flintstone diggings of the Stone Age to the uranium mines of the Nuclear Age. Further chapters discuss certain developments in particular aspects of mining such as drainage, hoisting, ventilation, illumination, mining law, and working conditions, although each of these topics is not given enough space for a truly thorough treatment. Finally, some short final chapters discuss traditions and folklore of mining populations. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)