The fascinating, often surprising story of how a simple black rock has altered the course of history. Prized as "the best stone in Britain" by Roman invaders who carved jewelry out of it, coal has transformed societies, powered navies, fueled economies, and expanded frontiers. It made China a twelfth-century superpower, inspired the writing of the Communist Manifesto, and helped the northern states win the American Civil War. Yet the mundane mineral that built our global economy—and even today powers our electrical plants—has also caused death, disease, and environmental destruction. As early as 1306, King Edward I tried to ban coal (unsuccessfully) because its smoke became so obnoxious. Its recent identification as a primary cause of global warming has made it a cause célèbre of a new kind. In this remarkable book, Barbara Freese takes us on a rich historical journey that begins three hundred million years ago and spans the globe. From the "Great Stinking Fogs" of London to the rat-infested coal mines of Pennsylvania, from the impoverished slums of Manchester to the toxic city streets of Beijing, Coal is a captivating narrative about an ordinary substance that has done extraordinary things—a simple black rock that could well determine our fate as a species.
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"Remarkable social history of this fossil fuel villain. It was amazing to learn that the downsides of burning coal was apparent in the very beginning of it's use. Very accessible writing, thorough treatment of the subject. Highly recommended." — Annea (5 out of 5 stars)
"Remarkable social history of this fossil fuel villain. It was amazing to learn that the downsides of burning coal was apparent in the very beginning of it's use. Very accessible writing, thorough treatment of the subject. Highly recommended."
Shelly Frasier reads in an even, unhurried rhythm that captures the authorial personality with its authority, light touch, and humor intact.
“Engrossing and sometimes stunning…[A] strongly argued and thoroughly researched book…Coal, to borrow a phrase, is king.”
“Part history and part environmental argument, Freese’s elegant book teaches an important lesson about the interdependence of humans and their natural environment both for good and ill throughout history.”
" What do you think about "Clean Coal"? "
" I read the book but the book option didn't have a photo. "
" Brian, you might be coaled out, what with you reading that other tome on the subject, but this is a really fascinating book! "
" Thought it was very informational. "
" All about coal, what it is good for, what it does for us, how it looks, how it burns, how it is mined... "
" Interesting history of coal mining in America "
" We are still a lot more reliant on coal than I had realized. This book was historically interesting and environmentally alarming. "
" This is an insightful read to a natural resource that has changed the world for the worst. "
" Not awful, but not what I expected and not enough hard information. The last fourth of the book is entirely devoted to climate change and soft speculation about the future. Also a bit dated - I think it came out in 2002. "
" yes its about COAL, but very fascinating, "
" Great read on the history of coal. Much, much more interesting than it sounds. The cover photo is heartbreaking. "
" Coal use from ancient China, to today's China, with longer sections on Britain & USA. Lots on envrionmental problems, befitting author's background as environmental lawyer in Minnesota "
" Not as dry as I was expecting. But I wish the section on China had been a little more fleshed out. "
" Interesting look on how the trajectory of man completely changed by the discovery and manipulation of coal. "
" Short, mundane study about coal "
" See my review in 2005 Magill's Literary Annual. "
" Gets off to a great start! "
" A few interesting tidbits, but nothing to rave about. "
" Very insightful as to how coal has impacted human history around the globe as it was used, banned, used, banned...etc. Its importance and usefulness is described in relation to the cost it exacts on humanity. "
" Timely information for our current concerns regarding global warming. Well researched and written. "
" Fascinating book so far... "
" a book about coal and human society "
" A great treatise on a natural resource that has and will continue to play a major role in world politics and people's lives. "
" just finished this. Excellent history and good read "
Shelly Frasier has appeared in many independent film and theater projects in Arizona and Southern California and has done voice-over work for commercials and animation projects. She trained at the Groundlings Improv School in Hollywood and South Coast Repertory’s Professional Conservatory in Costa Mesa, California. She has performed at theaters throughout North Hollywood and Orange County.
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