Bibliograph

Coal, a human history, Barbara Freese

Type

Label

Coal, a human history, Barbara Freese

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 249-291) and index

Illustrations

platesillustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

Coal

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

51449422

Responsibility statement

Barbara Freese

Sub title

a human history

Summary

Publisher's description: The fascinating history of a simple black rock that has shaped our world--and now threatens it. In this remarkable book, Barbara Freese takes us on a rich historical journey that begins hundreds of millions of years ago and spans the globe. Prized as "the best stone in Britain" by Roman invaders who carved jewelry out of it, coal has transformed societies, expanded frontiers, and sparked social movements, and still powers our electric grid. Yet coal's world-changing power has come at a tremendous price, including centuries of blackening our skies and lungs--and now the dangerous warming of our global climate. Ranging from the "great stinking fogs" of London to the rat-infested coal mines of Pennsylvania, from the impoverished slums of Manchester to the toxic streets of Beijing, Coal is a captivating narrative about an ordinary substance with an extraordinary impact on human civilization

Table Of Contents

A portable climate -- The best stone in Britain -- Launching a revolution -- Full steam ahead -- A precious seed -- The rise and fall of King Coal -- Invisible power -- A sort of black stone -- A burning legacy

Classification

Creator