Coal: A Human History (Audiobook)

from Wordherd

A well-edited presentation of the relationship between humankind and coal. While forthright about her specific interest in coal's environmental ramifications, the author maintains an enlightening treatment of coal's important (and perhaps forgotten) position in the development of human social and...

from martensgirl

I love books that describe how a single commodity slots into and shapes human history; this book is a fabulous example of the genre. There is ample biology, geology and politics to keep the reader fascinated. A stunning read!

from tuckerresearch

A reasonable, readable, and short history of coal and it's impact on human history. Pretty good. Of course, much of the focus is the profound impact that coal had on the industrial revolution and Britain, but that is to be expected. A bit ominous on the whole global warming book (the wider adopti...

from ladycato

This is an interesting overview of the complex relationship between coal and humankind, how the natural resource propelled people into the industrial age and many technological advancements even as it kills with both intimate and widespread forms of poison. The focus is on the zones: Britain, wes...

from jlparent

Pretty interesting micro-history about coal and how it influenced (and continues to influence) history. Not as good as some other microhistories (Salt and Cod leap to mind) but still an educational and interesting read.