Mining in World History

by Martin Lynch

This book deals with the history of mining and smelting from the Renaissance to the present. Martin Lynch opens with the invention, sometime before 1453, of a revolutionary technique for separating silver from copper. It was this invention which brought back to life the rich copper-silver mines of central Europe, in the process making brass cannon and silver coin available to the ambitious Habsburg emperors, thereby underpinning their quest for European domination. Lynch also discusses the Industrial Revolution and the far-reaching changes to mining and smelting brought about by the steam engine; the era of the gold rushes; the massive mineral developments and technological leaps forward which took place in the USA and South Africa at the end of the 19th century; and, finally, the spread of mass metal-production techniques amid the violent struggles of the 20th century. In an engaging, concise and fast-paced text, he presents the interplay of personalities, politics and technology that have shaped the metallurgical industries over the last 500 years.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Geology

350 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating account of the history of mining and how it has shaped and been shaped by industrial civilization.

[Ivan Savić · Rating 3 out of 5]

It covers mining history from 15th century onward. It is mostly political and corporational history of mining, it briefly covers mining techniques and technology development.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Remarkably readable considering the subject. Not as comprehensive as one might hope.

[Ali Miremadi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed this so much I started it again and took notes

[Barney Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is great! I learned so much more about where we got our metals from. It’s amazing how much impact mining had on shaping the world as we know it today.