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Black Gold: The History of How Coal Made Britain
Coal is the commodity that made Britain. Dirty and polluting though it is, this black rock has acted as a midwife to genius. It drove industry, religion, politics, empire and trade. It powered the industrial revolution, turned Britain into the first urban nation and is the industry that made almost all others possible.
In this brilliant social history, Jeremy Paxman tells the story of coal mining in England, Scotland and Wales from Roman times, through the birth of steam power to war, nationalisation, pea-souper smogs, industrial strife and the picket lines of the Miner’s Strike.
Written in the captivating style of his bestselling book The English, Paxman ranges widely across Britain to explore stories of engineers and inventors, entrepreneurs and industrialists – but whilst coal inevitably helped the rich become richer, the story told by Black Gold is first and foremost a history of the working miners – the men, women and often children who toiled in appalling conditions down in the mines; the villages that were thrown up around the pit-head.
Almost all traces of coal-mining have vanished from Britain but with this brilliant history, Black Gold demonstrates just how much we owe to the black stuff.
In this brilliant social history, Jeremy Paxman tells the story of coal mining in England, Scotland and Wales from Roman times, through the birth of steam power to war, nationalisation, pea-souper smogs, industrial strife and the picket lines of the Miner’s Strike.
Written in the captivating style of his bestselling book The English, Paxman ranges widely across Britain to explore stories of engineers and inventors, entrepreneurs and industrialists – but whilst coal inevitably helped the rich become richer, the story told by Black Gold is first and foremost a history of the working miners – the men, women and often children who toiled in appalling conditions down in the mines; the villages that were thrown up around the pit-head.
Almost all traces of coal-mining have vanished from Britain but with this brilliant history, Black Gold demonstrates just how much we owe to the black stuff.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 30, 2021
96 people are currently reading
581 people want to read
About the author
Jeremy Paxman
23 books102 followersJeremy Dickson Paxman is a British journalist, author and television presenter. He has worked for the BBC since 1977. He is noted for a forthright and abrasive interviewing style, particularly when interrogating politicians. His regular appearances on the BBC2's Newsnight programme have been criticised as aggressive, intimidating, condescending and irreverent, and applauded as tough and incisive.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
June 11, 2022
We can't understate coal’s importance in Britain’s modern history. And Jeremy Paxman has produced a colourful book explaining this. Britain, he points out, would never have become the world’s first industrial superpower were it not for coal. This black gold powered factories, ships, and railways. It heated homes and offices and created towns and villages.
Approaching the topic with panache, he demonstrates how coal had an influence on every aspect of British history over the last few hundred years. He describes the vast fortunes amassed by owners of land from which it was extracted. And he rightly emphasises, coal was dirty and dangerous from the start. The cause not only of endemic pollution, but also of many appalling accidents. Today, such tragedies are mostly forgotten. And coal has all but vanished from our national imagination. Paxman does a fantastic job of trying to restore it.
Paxman explains the role that coal-fuelled ships played in establishing the hegemony of the Royal Navy. Thus, also of the British empire. Such ships, he points out, were not only faster than their predecessors, but also better protected. In the 20th century, coal’s murky history came back to haunt it. As a fuel for ships, it was replaced by oil, which produced more energy. Its decline was hastened, too, by strained industrial relations.
Paxman ends with the 1984 miners’ strike. This event, which had a scarring impact upon the nation. But was also in a sense unnecessary since decades of declining productivity had already doomed the coal industry. Nonetheless, it provides a rousing finale to a vividly told and enjoyable book that throws new light on familiar features of our national landscape.
Approaching the topic with panache, he demonstrates how coal had an influence on every aspect of British history over the last few hundred years. He describes the vast fortunes amassed by owners of land from which it was extracted. And he rightly emphasises, coal was dirty and dangerous from the start. The cause not only of endemic pollution, but also of many appalling accidents. Today, such tragedies are mostly forgotten. And coal has all but vanished from our national imagination. Paxman does a fantastic job of trying to restore it.
Paxman explains the role that coal-fuelled ships played in establishing the hegemony of the Royal Navy. Thus, also of the British empire. Such ships, he points out, were not only faster than their predecessors, but also better protected. In the 20th century, coal’s murky history came back to haunt it. As a fuel for ships, it was replaced by oil, which produced more energy. Its decline was hastened, too, by strained industrial relations.
Paxman ends with the 1984 miners’ strike. This event, which had a scarring impact upon the nation. But was also in a sense unnecessary since decades of declining productivity had already doomed the coal industry. Nonetheless, it provides a rousing finale to a vividly told and enjoyable book that throws new light on familiar features of our national landscape.
August 10, 2022
This is a very good, very informative and reasonably entertaining book. It sets out the history of the coal business in the UK, particularly concentrating on three aspects. Firstly the structure of the business, pointing out the many fingers in the pie, each adding to the cost of extraction and distribution, and how the frontline, those at the coal face, have been dreadfully treated over the years leading up the seemingly unthinkable demise of the business. Secondly it tells of the many horrors of mining from the Gresford Disaster to Aberfan. And finally the inevitability of the demise from the Thirties onward. It was this aspect of the book which really made me think. I thought the death of coal mining in the UK was a political decision, which it certainly was, steered by Thatcher and aided by Scargill, but I had never realised that the end was simply bringing forward the inevitable. Paxman makes this very clear and he tells the story with balance and skill. An excellent piece of socio-economic history.
November 12, 2022
An interesting history but ultimately I think my left wing biases clash too much with Paxman’s obvious right wing ones for me to rate it any higher.
November 5, 2021
This review first appeared on my blog - https://nsfordwriter.com - on 5th November 2021.
A fascinating chronicle of a vanished industry and a commodity which was once essential to every aspect of life in Britain. The history spans the opening of the first coal mines and finishes with the decline of the industry. If you already know British history then some of the information won't be new to you, but it gains new context here, demonstrating how coal, this dirty rock which caused so much human misery and polluted the environment, was a vitally important factor in the development of the country. Coal and the mining of it may be old-fashioned and something we prefer not to think about, but it mustn't be forgotten.
The book is a grim read, with its details of horrific mining accidents, the working conditions, disputes, deadly smogs and exploitation. It also reinforces the usual way of business and profit being prioritised over welfare, safety and the environment. I was surprised to read that these concerns began very early in the coal industry, even pre-dating the Industrial Revolution, but I suppose that like the international slave trade, it was too profitable for the people in power to let morality triumph over money-making.
I found the writing style to be generally readable although the economic bits were a little dry and there were some odd figurative phrases. Paxman's trademark acerbic observations, particularly of politicians, are in evidence. The book includes notes, illustrations and an index.
In summary, a very informative and worthwhile read, although the content is depressing and you may wish to read something light-hearted afterwards to try and clear the smog from your brain.
A fascinating chronicle of a vanished industry and a commodity which was once essential to every aspect of life in Britain. The history spans the opening of the first coal mines and finishes with the decline of the industry. If you already know British history then some of the information won't be new to you, but it gains new context here, demonstrating how coal, this dirty rock which caused so much human misery and polluted the environment, was a vitally important factor in the development of the country. Coal and the mining of it may be old-fashioned and something we prefer not to think about, but it mustn't be forgotten.
The book is a grim read, with its details of horrific mining accidents, the working conditions, disputes, deadly smogs and exploitation. It also reinforces the usual way of business and profit being prioritised over welfare, safety and the environment. I was surprised to read that these concerns began very early in the coal industry, even pre-dating the Industrial Revolution, but I suppose that like the international slave trade, it was too profitable for the people in power to let morality triumph over money-making.
I found the writing style to be generally readable although the economic bits were a little dry and there were some odd figurative phrases. Paxman's trademark acerbic observations, particularly of politicians, are in evidence. The book includes notes, illustrations and an index.
In summary, a very informative and worthwhile read, although the content is depressing and you may wish to read something light-hearted afterwards to try and clear the smog from your brain.
April 5, 2024
“in the summer of 1969 in the Doncaster area, output per man-shift had risen by no less than 24%”
Love that for doncaster, productive coal mining queens
Love that for doncaster, productive coal mining queens
March 20, 2022
Factual, engaging and alas sad, insomuch that whilst we now know the cost to the climate of coal usage that the country was built on the work in harsh conditions for many families. Paxman does take time to inject some lighter moments into the work.
December 13, 2022
Disjointed structure and surprisingly poor editing unfortunately damage what’s otherwise a very interesting and engaging popular history of coal mining and it’s impact on industry and empire in Britain.
March 8, 2024
We know from his Newsnight days that Jeremy Paxman has a sharp tongue. It is equally evident from this book that he also has a sharp pen. I found this to be a powerful and compelling history of the British coal industry. It tells the story of how quite literally coal powered the first Industrial Revolution and made many people very wealthy, though never the miners. So much of the story seems to be of greedy landowners, harsh managers, terrible working conditions and frequent accidents. Paxman writes with barely contained fury when he describes the events of the Aberfan disaster, which I remember from my childhood, albeit from a black and white television screen several hundred miles away. The other event many will remember is the miners strike in the 1980's. Here he describes not only the key characters but the relationship between the economic imperative for an efficient mining industry and the political imperative for the government to win to clearly show 'who governs Britain'.
Mining was, of course, unlike many other industries in that mines often sat alongside villages and towns that existed only because the mine was there - jobs, homes, community and family all intertwined. The closure of mines not only meant jobs lost, but too often communities left with little purpose.
Coal now plays a minor roles as a source of energy in the UK. Its economic, political and social history however casts a long shadow over many lives today.
A very good book and certainly worth reading.
Mining was, of course, unlike many other industries in that mines often sat alongside villages and towns that existed only because the mine was there - jobs, homes, community and family all intertwined. The closure of mines not only meant jobs lost, but too often communities left with little purpose.
Coal now plays a minor roles as a source of energy in the UK. Its economic, political and social history however casts a long shadow over many lives today.
A very good book and certainly worth reading.
October 29, 2023
What a prosaic, workmanlike thing is a lump of coal. When I was a child it was how we heated our home, but, hidden from view it also powered the British economy. It was something that we took for granted, delivered in great sackfuls every few weeks by the local coal merchant, who was so blackened by the dust that it was hard to believe that he could ever get it out of his skin, his hair and his clothes. Black Gold tells the incredible story of how this filthy rock came to kick start the Industrial Revolution and create almost every aspect of the modern world. The sheer scale of its extraction at ‘peak coal’ (the first couple of decades of the twentieth century) almost beggars belief, as does the number of people involved in mining and related industries. Jeremy Paxman is equally good on the horrors of the work (the death toll was horrific, not just the disasters that killed hundreds in a single explosion, but the tens of thousands who died in smaller incidents), the immense wealth that came to those fortunate landowners who happened to find that they were sitting on mineral riches beyond their wildest dreams with barely any effort on their part, the technological innovation that coal powered steam stimulated, and the long-term mismanagement of the industry both before and after nationalisation in 1947. Black Gold is popular narrative history of the best kind.
April 10, 2024
In terms of content, this would be an easy 4/5, but jesus christ, Jeremy Paxman comes across as a massive prick. Every single person (except for Margaret Thatcher, which is telling) is introduced by either how ugly they were, how annoying their voice was, or how incompetently they acted. After 350 pages it feels incredibly mean-spirited. What everyone is praising as "engaging narration" just feels like Paxman making fun of everyone he disagrees with instead of providing an attempt at a neutral account. A really frustrating read.
April 5, 2022
A bit wordy and repetitive at times.
The story of coal is fascinating. It is equal parts innovation, grit, victory and exploitation, mishaps and failure.
The description of poor working condition is pretty haunting. Men hunched over many miles down below, their back scraping against the rocky walls above in darkness.
In the end, coal was replaced by gas and oil, both with much better means of transportation and energy density.
The story of coal is fascinating. It is equal parts innovation, grit, victory and exploitation, mishaps and failure.
The description of poor working condition is pretty haunting. Men hunched over many miles down below, their back scraping against the rocky walls above in darkness.
In the end, coal was replaced by gas and oil, both with much better means of transportation and energy density.
April 22, 2023
Easy to read but not an easy read, which is as it should be. Good to have the broad sweep of the history of the significance of coal in this country, and the impact on global and national history. I appreciated the focus on how the demands of society impacted on individuals in different groups in society. Something I should have realised but hadn't thought through. Very pleased I read it.
January 16, 2022
4.75/5
Really good. By a journalist so easy to read and accessible, quite enjoyable to read. About 350 pages (on the hardcover edition). The first half is about the rise of coal mining and how coal became the main source of power for Britain, with chapters dedicated to specific kinds of technology like railways or steamships (I really liked this chapter) and their impact. The second half of the book is more political and economic in focus so a bit more serious. This half covers the emergence of trade unions, the industrial strife throughout the 20th century and the decline of British coal mining. The economics is interesting without getting bogged down in non-stop statistics. There are quite a few mining accidents mentioned in the book, especially those that led to new laws and reform. Paxman's main argument in the political sections of the book is that coal mining was unproductive and unprofitable in the 20th century long before Thatcher came to power (the peak of coal production was in 1913 then never recovered from WWI) so it is hard to see how it could have survived to the present day anyway.
Overall would recommend it if interested in British history, especially 20th century political history.
Really good. By a journalist so easy to read and accessible, quite enjoyable to read. About 350 pages (on the hardcover edition). The first half is about the rise of coal mining and how coal became the main source of power for Britain, with chapters dedicated to specific kinds of technology like railways or steamships (I really liked this chapter) and their impact. The second half of the book is more political and economic in focus so a bit more serious. This half covers the emergence of trade unions, the industrial strife throughout the 20th century and the decline of British coal mining. The economics is interesting without getting bogged down in non-stop statistics. There are quite a few mining accidents mentioned in the book, especially those that led to new laws and reform. Paxman's main argument in the political sections of the book is that coal mining was unproductive and unprofitable in the 20th century long before Thatcher came to power (the peak of coal production was in 1913 then never recovered from WWI) so it is hard to see how it could have survived to the present day anyway.
Overall would recommend it if interested in British history, especially 20th century political history.
February 10, 2024
This is one of the most interesting books l have ever read. It is beautifully written and sensitive to the hardships of mining life. It explains how Britain developed into the country it did. A history we all should learn about. In addition, the book has given me insights into past and modern politics.
I wrongly thought that Jeremy Paxman would write it with a Conservative bias. He did not. He held no punches.
A fabulous read.
I wrongly thought that Jeremy Paxman would write it with a Conservative bias. He did not. He held no punches.
A fabulous read.
March 23, 2024
Decent and lively trot through the history of the UK’s coal industry. Coal was an amazing asset, we did not make the best of it.
January 15, 2023
Solid history on coal in Britain. Good read for some interesting history you may not be familiar with, especially if you are in the younger generations.
August 25, 2025
super in depth and interesting
May 13, 2023
A relatively good book which gives you an interesting overview of how coal shaped Britain. I just felt it was a little superficial at times and could have delved into the detail a bit more.
August 12, 2022
As a 70 year old Nottinghamshire boy I never appreciated all the political issues of the coal industry that this book revealed. I found the book very informative and it explained well the plight of the average miner and not only the working conditions they suffered under but the constant strife on wages and working hours particularly with mine owners. I knew the names of most of the government ministers and NCB hierarchy but never appreciated the strained relationships in both political parties.
This was a great read and whilst Britain’s dominance in the Industrial revolution was based on coal for which we are grateful I feel annoyed that miners were an ignored underclass with such a poor deal. Let’s hope Britain can again lead the world with new replacement clean technologies.
This was a great read and whilst Britain’s dominance in the Industrial revolution was based on coal for which we are grateful I feel annoyed that miners were an ignored underclass with such a poor deal. Let’s hope Britain can again lead the world with new replacement clean technologies.
April 26, 2023
I've never read a book by Paxman before this illuminating history of coal and it's impact on the development of Great Britain and it's industrialization leading to Empire building. As I live in the US these days it is hard to find specifically UK centric books and I picked this up on a recent trip to London. Paxman is a very good writer and I enjoyed his take on history and his use of language stretched and improved my vocabulary at times!
Mining in general, and coal mining in particular is one of those subjects that somehow fascinates me for reasons I don't clearly understand. I think it is something to do with the horror and wonder of the industry; the danger, the long term impacts, the communities that build up around mines, the vile impact of unfettered capitalism that made many fabulously rich whilst killing those tasked with digging this filthy commodity out of the ground. I was also fortunate enough, in my youth, to be able to descend into a copper mine in Zambia which was a fascinating experience - the descent in a cage, the heat, the noise etc. Mining therefore became one of a collection of subjects that both fascinates and repels me.
I also recall, whilst in college, the miners strike of 1984/5. In my youth I didn't understand politics or sociology and was an immensely privileged, obnoxious right winger who was firmly on the side of the government in that struggle. Suffice it to say I owe to miners in general, and Scargill in particular, an apology. My world view is 180 degrees away from that I held in my 20s and I now deplore conservative ideology in general, and Thatcherism in particular which has led, pretty directly to the decline in public sector services and general social infrastructure currently afflicting the UK, exacerbated by BREXIT of course. But I digress.
"Black Gold" is pretty focused on the development of coal mining and its import to the UK economy and industrialization. However it is a social study rather than a pure history. Indeed, the opening tells the story of one of the UK's worst pit disasters, and such tales are liberally dispersed through the narrative (Gresford, Aberfan and, of course Senghenydd where the Universal Colliery killed 439 miners in the blink of an eye) showing the human cost of coal mining. Senghenydd happened in 1913 which marked the pinnacle of UK coal production, after which the industry went into a steady decline to effectively be closed down completely now, at least as far as deep mining is concerned.
I very much enjoyed how this was all put together, and it was interesting to follow how things progressed but as I say, I was particularly interested in the harsh lives of miners and the tough communities that are up solely around the pit heads. It also seems, as I pretty much knew, that safety was very much compromised in many pits and on many occasions leading not only to the massive death tolls on major disasters, but also the more random times death and serious injury was inflicted on miners in ones and twos.
The narrative covers all this, as well as the push for nationalisation, then de-nationalisation when it was clear the industry was on its knees and the rise of mining Unions, in particular the NUM. It was beyond the scope of this book but I am interested in, to what extent, the NUM contributed to the demise of mining in the UK by their strike in 1984. I am looking into this time in industrial history a lot more closely now, as it mentioned in this book, Scargill was pretty much correct in everything he said. Indeed, there was a government plan to shut pits. There was a smear campaign against him personally and the Union in general, the government set about destroying not only the NUM, but subsequently the UDM too, they marshaled the police to fight the miners and on and on. Thatcher was truly, truly, a pernicious politician who is still revered on the right, despite basically destroying much of society of which she infamously claimed that there was "no such thing". But was the decline of coal mining inevitable anyway?
I'm not sure but I think so. As is quoted here, Heseltine opined that all he had done was shut down a dirty, dangerous industry and there is some truth to that I think. However, the cavalier attitude to mining and the mining communities that fueled the Industrial Revolution was despicable and its reverberations continue to this day. Those that dug coal out of deep mines gave their health and often their lives to make a few people incredibly rich, and to propel the UK to make an Empire that was magnificent if you where a beneficiary of Imperialism, but vile for everyone else. I got that from the book but somehow felt it was, if anything, understated here.
Still, the whole history of what it meant to be a miner, or to be in a mining community, comes across well here. I read in another book, discussing the Senghenydd disaster: "One woman said goodbye to her husband, three sons and two brothers on the morning of 14th October 1913. That night she was alone in the house to which none of them would ever return". That's so poignant and tragic and was repeated, albeit in smaller numbers, pretty much every week in the coal fields. There is a romance, somehow, about mining and miners, but the reality is laid out here and I am very glad I read this.
Mining in general, and coal mining in particular is one of those subjects that somehow fascinates me for reasons I don't clearly understand. I think it is something to do with the horror and wonder of the industry; the danger, the long term impacts, the communities that build up around mines, the vile impact of unfettered capitalism that made many fabulously rich whilst killing those tasked with digging this filthy commodity out of the ground. I was also fortunate enough, in my youth, to be able to descend into a copper mine in Zambia which was a fascinating experience - the descent in a cage, the heat, the noise etc. Mining therefore became one of a collection of subjects that both fascinates and repels me.
I also recall, whilst in college, the miners strike of 1984/5. In my youth I didn't understand politics or sociology and was an immensely privileged, obnoxious right winger who was firmly on the side of the government in that struggle. Suffice it to say I owe to miners in general, and Scargill in particular, an apology. My world view is 180 degrees away from that I held in my 20s and I now deplore conservative ideology in general, and Thatcherism in particular which has led, pretty directly to the decline in public sector services and general social infrastructure currently afflicting the UK, exacerbated by BREXIT of course. But I digress.
"Black Gold" is pretty focused on the development of coal mining and its import to the UK economy and industrialization. However it is a social study rather than a pure history. Indeed, the opening tells the story of one of the UK's worst pit disasters, and such tales are liberally dispersed through the narrative (Gresford, Aberfan and, of course Senghenydd where the Universal Colliery killed 439 miners in the blink of an eye) showing the human cost of coal mining. Senghenydd happened in 1913 which marked the pinnacle of UK coal production, after which the industry went into a steady decline to effectively be closed down completely now, at least as far as deep mining is concerned.
I very much enjoyed how this was all put together, and it was interesting to follow how things progressed but as I say, I was particularly interested in the harsh lives of miners and the tough communities that are up solely around the pit heads. It also seems, as I pretty much knew, that safety was very much compromised in many pits and on many occasions leading not only to the massive death tolls on major disasters, but also the more random times death and serious injury was inflicted on miners in ones and twos.
The narrative covers all this, as well as the push for nationalisation, then de-nationalisation when it was clear the industry was on its knees and the rise of mining Unions, in particular the NUM. It was beyond the scope of this book but I am interested in, to what extent, the NUM contributed to the demise of mining in the UK by their strike in 1984. I am looking into this time in industrial history a lot more closely now, as it mentioned in this book, Scargill was pretty much correct in everything he said. Indeed, there was a government plan to shut pits. There was a smear campaign against him personally and the Union in general, the government set about destroying not only the NUM, but subsequently the UDM too, they marshaled the police to fight the miners and on and on. Thatcher was truly, truly, a pernicious politician who is still revered on the right, despite basically destroying much of society of which she infamously claimed that there was "no such thing". But was the decline of coal mining inevitable anyway?
I'm not sure but I think so. As is quoted here, Heseltine opined that all he had done was shut down a dirty, dangerous industry and there is some truth to that I think. However, the cavalier attitude to mining and the mining communities that fueled the Industrial Revolution was despicable and its reverberations continue to this day. Those that dug coal out of deep mines gave their health and often their lives to make a few people incredibly rich, and to propel the UK to make an Empire that was magnificent if you where a beneficiary of Imperialism, but vile for everyone else. I got that from the book but somehow felt it was, if anything, understated here.
Still, the whole history of what it meant to be a miner, or to be in a mining community, comes across well here. I read in another book, discussing the Senghenydd disaster: "One woman said goodbye to her husband, three sons and two brothers on the morning of 14th October 1913. That night she was alone in the house to which none of them would ever return". That's so poignant and tragic and was repeated, albeit in smaller numbers, pretty much every week in the coal fields. There is a romance, somehow, about mining and miners, but the reality is laid out here and I am very glad I read this.
November 19, 2023
This was an interesting book on what could have been a dull subject, but it followed Britain's rise and decline on the world stage as it told the history of the mining and usage of coal. Left lukewarm by his book on the English, I was slightly pessimistic but I needn't have worried, and whether or not Paxman is the most authoritative voice it was written in the quick, readable style one comes to expect from journalists.
He opted to start with a mining disaster in the North-East, and it was clear that the author's own voice was to be included in the accounts, as a journalist at the scene 'duly became a pompous bore' when given a knighthood later in life for his Liberal party reporting. This did liven up the book although I did think some of his input was unnecessary, such as speculating whether the mining village of Aberfan had contributed to one of the most famous disasters by allowing the waste heap to stay in an unsafe position. He had no time for landowners who got lucky from underground deposits, but his sympathies seemed divided between the capitalists who took risks and the miners, who were working and living in terrible conditions with awful health outcomes, but well-paid for manual workers despite being paid by piecework for most of the industry's existence.
It wasn't an exhaustive history and some aspects were dwelt on for longer than others - naval developments had much more coverage than railways and I was surprised that the traditional birthplace of the industrial revolution in Shropshire didn't get much of a mention. The technological developments were nonetheless covered in detail, along with the experience of working in mines (I had no idea there was a ballot for soldiers to work in the mines during wartime) and the changes in legislation and ownership of the UK industry.
He did give a good impression of how unpleasant working in the mines was, even at such a distance from the reality, as well as the importance of coal until the late 20th century. Should anyone be tempted to live a simpler form of life, the miserable light offered after dark suggests some very long and boring winters before gas lighting and the advances enabled by coal were significant, as well as the prosperity enabled by such an impressive navy maintaining sea routes and trade. Paxman was good at providing details of the Tyne's movement of coal to paint a complete picture, but moving on quickly when there were fewer developments.
This ended up bridging a gap in my knowledge between the earliest developments in UK trade and industry with wool, and the 20th century following WWII, along with considered chapters on mining disasters mixed with portraits of the gentry and industrialists that benefitted from coal. I would have liked a slightly more consistent or explicit tone towards the pit managers and workers, although he did treat the politicians fairly and acknowledged who had the power and influence. It was a good book to this uninformed reader but perhaps experts would know if this was sensationalist or a fair account, because it felt on the popular side.
He opted to start with a mining disaster in the North-East, and it was clear that the author's own voice was to be included in the accounts, as a journalist at the scene 'duly became a pompous bore' when given a knighthood later in life for his Liberal party reporting. This did liven up the book although I did think some of his input was unnecessary, such as speculating whether the mining village of Aberfan had contributed to one of the most famous disasters by allowing the waste heap to stay in an unsafe position. He had no time for landowners who got lucky from underground deposits, but his sympathies seemed divided between the capitalists who took risks and the miners, who were working and living in terrible conditions with awful health outcomes, but well-paid for manual workers despite being paid by piecework for most of the industry's existence.
It wasn't an exhaustive history and some aspects were dwelt on for longer than others - naval developments had much more coverage than railways and I was surprised that the traditional birthplace of the industrial revolution in Shropshire didn't get much of a mention. The technological developments were nonetheless covered in detail, along with the experience of working in mines (I had no idea there was a ballot for soldiers to work in the mines during wartime) and the changes in legislation and ownership of the UK industry.
He did give a good impression of how unpleasant working in the mines was, even at such a distance from the reality, as well as the importance of coal until the late 20th century. Should anyone be tempted to live a simpler form of life, the miserable light offered after dark suggests some very long and boring winters before gas lighting and the advances enabled by coal were significant, as well as the prosperity enabled by such an impressive navy maintaining sea routes and trade. Paxman was good at providing details of the Tyne's movement of coal to paint a complete picture, but moving on quickly when there were fewer developments.
This ended up bridging a gap in my knowledge between the earliest developments in UK trade and industry with wool, and the 20th century following WWII, along with considered chapters on mining disasters mixed with portraits of the gentry and industrialists that benefitted from coal. I would have liked a slightly more consistent or explicit tone towards the pit managers and workers, although he did treat the politicians fairly and acknowledged who had the power and influence. It was a good book to this uninformed reader but perhaps experts would know if this was sensationalist or a fair account, because it felt on the popular side.
February 11, 2023
I felt this very informative book would have benefited from sticking more rigidly to the chronological order of things plus avoiding some minor repetition but overall the subject matter is delivered well and in an entertaining way.
There is overall sympathy for the workers and the exploitative owners are shown in their true colours. The horrors of the early days in the pits comes over vividly and the various catastrophes that the workers had to endure, and that the owners walked away from with the tiniest slap on the wrists, is described in such a way as to make the reader sad and angry.
The involvement and descriptions of the politicians that are part of the story of coal are dealt with in a very Paxmanesque style and I loved this.
And then we come to the most dreadful woman in Britain's political history and her brutal vindictive and duplicitous behaviour is starkly brought into the light. Alas her abhorrent politics continues to loom large in a Britain that is going the same way as coal has.
And that is one of the telling points of the book - so much of this history is simply repeating itself today - as a society we just never learn but perhaps if there were more books like this that were widely read, especially but those of school age, we may start to think differently and see the societal shift that we desperately need.
There is overall sympathy for the workers and the exploitative owners are shown in their true colours. The horrors of the early days in the pits comes over vividly and the various catastrophes that the workers had to endure, and that the owners walked away from with the tiniest slap on the wrists, is described in such a way as to make the reader sad and angry.
The involvement and descriptions of the politicians that are part of the story of coal are dealt with in a very Paxmanesque style and I loved this.
And then we come to the most dreadful woman in Britain's political history and her brutal vindictive and duplicitous behaviour is starkly brought into the light. Alas her abhorrent politics continues to loom large in a Britain that is going the same way as coal has.
And that is one of the telling points of the book - so much of this history is simply repeating itself today - as a society we just never learn but perhaps if there were more books like this that were widely read, especially but those of school age, we may start to think differently and see the societal shift that we desperately need.
July 9, 2025
After being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the history section in Waterstones store in Cardiff, I had all but given up the idea of a book bought for me from this wonderful shop by my daughter for my birthday. That is, until I saw this one.
I have used coal all my life here in the UK, but only in recent weeks, on my travels around the north of England, have I really begun to notice the profound impact coal has had on everything. Although, depending on where you lived (North or South), the visibility of this black gold and its effects varied greatly.
Jeremy Paxman's book shines a bright miners lamp onto all of it, murky and bright, because coal really did make Britain great, but at a cost, and his book explores both sides of this coin.
The book is very well written and researched, contains all the usual acerbic comments one would expect from Mr Paxman, and connects the narrative and timeline nicely.
Although a great read, it is, more importantly, a book, I think, to educate. And it does that in an approachable, readable, yet accurate style.
It's hard to imagine what sort of society we would be today, globally, without coal. Rightly cast out on environmental grounds today, its impact on all our lives and the lives of our ancestors cannot be overstated.
Thank you, Mr Paxman, for shining your miners' lamp on this topic
I have used coal all my life here in the UK, but only in recent weeks, on my travels around the north of England, have I really begun to notice the profound impact coal has had on everything. Although, depending on where you lived (North or South), the visibility of this black gold and its effects varied greatly.
Jeremy Paxman's book shines a bright miners lamp onto all of it, murky and bright, because coal really did make Britain great, but at a cost, and his book explores both sides of this coin.
The book is very well written and researched, contains all the usual acerbic comments one would expect from Mr Paxman, and connects the narrative and timeline nicely.
Although a great read, it is, more importantly, a book, I think, to educate. And it does that in an approachable, readable, yet accurate style.
It's hard to imagine what sort of society we would be today, globally, without coal. Rightly cast out on environmental grounds today, its impact on all our lives and the lives of our ancestors cannot be overstated.
Thank you, Mr Paxman, for shining your miners' lamp on this topic
November 22, 2022
I’m the kind of person who only needs to see the words ‘history of coal mining’ to smash my library’s ‘Borrow’ button. But even if coal isn’t your jam, this book is about a lot more. A history of coal mining is effectively equivalent to a recent history of Britain. Coal drove the Industrial Revolution and the primacy of the British Empire, but more than that, freed humans for the first time from the rhythm of nature. Railways and steamships eroded distances; year-round warmth and light made previously unusable time productive for both work and leisure purposes. And all of it thanks to the legions of men who travelled into the earth to hew the ‘black gold’ by hand. Their story is also central: the miners’ struggles for safety and status; the inseparability of mine and community; and their famous fight against decline; later tell the story of 20th century Britain.
With a final nod to climate change, the book also effectively summarises a dilemma still central to all our lives: how to restore the imbalance we’ve created without sacrificing the comforts it won us. Hmm.
With a final nod to climate change, the book also effectively summarises a dilemma still central to all our lives: how to restore the imbalance we’ve created without sacrificing the comforts it won us. Hmm.
January 5, 2022
Very interesting, even-handed exploration of the history of coal in the UK. Fairly told from the miners’ point of view as well as the owners and of, course the government.
None were without failings.
Sometimes very hard to follow the chronology of events, but the narrative endured.
Not being familiar with the politics, nicknames, regional culture, etc., I had a hard time picking up on some of the subtleties but usually got the point.
So sad for all the lives destroyed by this industry. Black death. Greed took its toll.
I was disappointed that there was virtually no mention of the technological advancements to clean up the coal burning industries - like electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers - and the effect they had.
Also disappointed with the closing Global Warming scolding at the conclusion of the book. Such a good researcher relying on hearsay and doomsday warnings instead of real science was disappointing.
Overall, a good read.
None were without failings.
Sometimes very hard to follow the chronology of events, but the narrative endured.
Not being familiar with the politics, nicknames, regional culture, etc., I had a hard time picking up on some of the subtleties but usually got the point.
So sad for all the lives destroyed by this industry. Black death. Greed took its toll.
I was disappointed that there was virtually no mention of the technological advancements to clean up the coal burning industries - like electrostatic precipitators and scrubbers - and the effect they had.
Also disappointed with the closing Global Warming scolding at the conclusion of the book. Such a good researcher relying on hearsay and doomsday warnings instead of real science was disappointing.
Overall, a good read.
February 4, 2023
Jeremy Paxman's book examines the important role coal played in Great Britain's history, making us a rich country whilst making the landowners on whose land the coal was located rich in turn. Coal, or Black Gold as it was called, fuelled the industrial revolution as well as heating our homes.
I knew some facts from the book already, but there was plenty to learn. I didn't know, for instance, that during WW2, some of the men who were conscripted were sent to work in the mines instead of being sent to fight. As someone who can't imagine anything worse than having to work underground in dark, hot, cramped spaces, the thought of this is unbearable. Some parts of the book were rather too political for my taste, but overall it was an interesting read.
I knew some facts from the book already, but there was plenty to learn. I didn't know, for instance, that during WW2, some of the men who were conscripted were sent to work in the mines instead of being sent to fight. As someone who can't imagine anything worse than having to work underground in dark, hot, cramped spaces, the thought of this is unbearable. Some parts of the book were rather too political for my taste, but overall it was an interesting read.
May 26, 2023
Paxman writes wittily and incisively. He is good on coal’s huge importance in making Britain rich and powerful. He does not pull his punches when describing the great wealth accumulated by land owners who were lucky enough to find the black gold on their land and the sufferings imposed on the workforce. And while sympathetic to the development of the unions who improved the lot of their members he also sees the failings of the NUM especially regarding the strike of 1983/84. He is critical of Arthur Scargill while acknowledging that his claim that the government planned to close a great many pits - derided and disbelieved at the time including by Paxman- turned out to be completely true.
Paxman is also good on the mining disasters and the dangers of the job.
Paxman is also good on the mining disasters and the dangers of the job.
January 15, 2022
Coal mining is rapidly being forgotten and there are no longer any operational deep mines in the UK- in a few years the only signs that we ever had a mining industry will be the odd mining museum and the "half" winding wheels that are in place in some former Yorkshire mining villages. Although occasionally given to hyperbole Paxman does a good job tracing the rise and fall of coal mining but what he does best is to highlight how much of the "progress" made in the country was as a result of coal. There is hardly an industry that wasn't beholden to coal for its development and it is by drawing attention to this that Paxman places coal in its rightful place in our history
November 20, 2023
The social history of coal is one of luck, grist and inequalities. Whilst this was an interesting read, which aimed to provide a balanced view of the history of coal in Britain, I was left thinking that there were too few voices of the miners in the narrative. Even the description of working in the mines was written by an inspector.
Paxman attempts to be balanced and fair (except when it comes to lawyers whom he refers to as the parasite's parasite, which on the whole is unfair except in the context of the example he gives), but he shows no real insights into the characters of the people involved and who made decisions which saved or decimated the industry.
Paxman attempts to be balanced and fair (except when it comes to lawyers whom he refers to as the parasite's parasite, which on the whole is unfair except in the context of the example he gives), but he shows no real insights into the characters of the people involved and who made decisions which saved or decimated the industry.
August 1, 2024
This a fantastic book, written in such an engaged manner, it’s un-put-downable non-fiction. I picked this up initially thinking it was a history of mining in Britain. What it really is a social history of Britain which was driven by mining. At first I wanted to focus more on mining and its culture, but I think everything was evenly covered and expanded upon. I think Paxman’s characterisations and language is interesting and somewhat personal at times so you don’t feel like it’s a dry history. I felt like I learnt more about British politics and culture reading this book than living here 10 years!
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