Coal Country: Rising Up Against Mountaintop Removal Mining

by Shirley Stewart Burns (Editor), Mari-Lynn Evans (Editor), Silas House (Editor)

In the long, complex history of coal exploitation in Appalachia, mountaintop-removal (MTR) mining is the most destructive practice yet visited upon the land and its Ancient forested mountainsides are blown up to extract the underlying coal, and the resulting debris is dumped into nearby valleys and streams. The politics and economics of mining in the region have long allowed coal companies virtually free rein, but in recent years, opposition to MTR has gained national momentum.

This illustrated volume, like the powerful documentary film on which it is based, gives voice to the growing chorus of protest against MTR mining in Appalachia through a collection of essays, oral history, commentary, and images. It features many of the personalities from the film in their own words, as well as thoughtful essays by such eloquent voices as writers Wendell Berry and Silas House, activist Judy Bonds, journalists Michael Shnayerson and Denise Giardina, and entertainers Kathy Mattea and Ashley Judd. Illustrations include contemporary photography of this still-beautiful region — and of mining devastation and the affected landscapes, communities, and people — by noted photojournalists such as Mark Schmerling, Builder Levy, and Vivian Stockman. Sidebars feature excerpts from contemporary and historical literature, poetry, song lyrics, drawings, cartoons, and ephemera.

Genres: Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2009

Reviews

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mountaintop removal is a blight on Appalachia and this non-fiction book brings into stark focus the devastation that it causes upon the environment, people and economy of the region. Appalachia is synonymous with being known as Coal Country and coal mining is an industry fraught with danger, but MTR has truly been an ecological disaster that only brought havoc into a region that already had enough problems and prejudices against it. Written in 2009 and paired with the documentary of the same name, this book is a sobering look at how this type of mining has perverted an industry that already had an insidious legacy.

Consisting of essays written by environmentalists, politicians, journalists, entertainers and people who live there today- their message is loud and clear. The book also has excellent photographs that show Appalachia in its natural glory, but then juxtaposed with photos of the ruins that MTR has inflicted on formerly beautiful mountains that are now but moonscapes. Poems and folksongs also round out the narrative and truly are an ode to the history and people of these mountains. This is certainly a book that I would recommend for people who wish to have a deeper understanding of MTR and how it should be halted immediately.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not surprised at the quality of this work. The author (a personal friend) lives and breathes Appalachia. She was born in WV and continues to be a sought after speaker. I truly recommend this to anyone seeking up to date information regarding the MTR struggles of Appalachia.