Traces the history of coal from its foundations three million years ago through its role in industry and disease, covering such areas as its uses as jewelry in ancient Rome, in the establishment of China as a twelfth-century superpower, and as a tool in the Civil War. Reprint. 50,000 first printing.[...]
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 twelft[...]