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Coal

Nature and Culture
Series: Earth
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Coal by Ralph Crane examines the history and significance of coal as a natural resource. It delves into its formation, pivotal role in industrial development, and the environmental challenges it presents. The book explores the delicate balance between its benefits to human progress and the urgent need for sustainable alternatives.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in the historical, scientific, and environmental aspects of an essential natural resource that has shaped human civilisation. It delves into how this resource has powered industries and influenced environmental policies throughout history, making it a fascinating read for enthusiasts of science and nature.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

An engaging insight into the myriad ways coal has affected our lives.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

While concerns about climate change have focused negative attention on the coal industry in recent years, as descendants of the industrial revolution we have all benefitted from the mining of the black seam. Coal has influenced significantly the course of human history and our social and natural environments.

Coal takes readers on a journey through the extraordinary artistic responses to coal, from its role in the works of writers such as Zola, Lawrence, and Orwell, to the way it inspired the work of painters including Turner, Monet, and Van Gogh. The book also explores the place of coal in film, song, and folklore as well as the surprising allure of coal tourism.

This strikingly illustrated book provides an engaging and informative insight into the myriad ways coal has affected our lives.

Series: Earth

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  • Coal
    While concerns about climate change have focused negative attention on the coal industry in recent years, as descendants of the industrial revolution we have all benefitted from the mining of the black seam. Coal has influenced significantly the course of human history and our social and natural environments. Coal takes readers on a journey through the extraordinary artistic responses to...
    Paperback
    Sold Out
  • The Sea
    The Sea explores the sea and its meanings from ancient myths to contemporary geopolitics, from Atlantis to the Mediterranean migrant crisis. Richard Hamblyn traces a cultural and geographical journey from estuary to abyss, beginning with the topographies of the shoreline and ending with the likely futures of our maritime environments. Along the way, the book considers the sea as a...
    Paperback
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  • Lightning
    In Lightning: Nature and Culture, Derek M. Elsom explores the history of humanity's relationship with this natural phenomena, from the myths and legends of the storm deities to in-depth studies of its artistic representations, and state-of-the-art lightning protection systems on aircraft, ships, and skyscrapers. Lightning explores the stories of those struck by lightning and asks the vital question: 'What can...
    Paperback
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  • Rainbows
    The rainbow is a compelling spectacle in nature — a rare bridge between subjective experience and objective reality, and no less remarkable as a cultural phenomenon. A symbol of the Left since the German Peasants' War of the 1520s, it has been adopted by movements for gay rights, the environment, multiculturalism, and peace around the globe, and inspired poets, artists,...
    Paperback
    Sold Out

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Coal by Ralph Crane is celebrated for its engaging and informative exploration of coal's historical impact, from medieval times to its pivotal role in the British Empire and current climate politics. Reviewers commend the book for its lucid writing and detailed examination, making it a compelling read for those interested in understanding coal's influence on history and its cultural representation.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781789143669

Publisher: Reaktion Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 12 April 2021

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Reaktion Books

Illustration: 100 illustrations, 65 in colour

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 148.0mm

Height: 210.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 208

About the Author

Ralph Crane is Professor Emeritus of English at the University of Tasmania. He has written or edited 25 books, including Cave: Nature and Culture (co-authored, Reaktion, 2015).

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