Bloodletting in Appalachia: The Story of West Virginia's Four Major Mine Wars and Other Thrilling Incidents of Its Coal Fields

by Howard Burton Lee

This book is the true history of West Virginia's four major mine wars, and other incidents in the State's coal fields, during the dark and bloody days of the State's coal industry. This is hidden history not taught in the schools today.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1969

Reviews

[Peter Horton · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book describing West Virginia's four major mine wars (pre-1970s) as well as some basic history of the industry within the state. The author served as the Attorney General of West Virginia from 1925 - 1933 and knew or was able to interview many of the people involved in the incidents. The author's background and position seems to inform his emphasis on incidents of union-led violence and the role of the unions in harming the coal industry within the state, which may be off-putting to some readers, though I felt like it made the book less of a political diatribe and more of a historical accounting of the facts.

Some major takeaways from the book:
- How heavily armed people in the United States have been through much of its history. The book mentions 250,000(!) rounds of ammunition and six machine guns being confiscated from the mine guards in one of the earlier incidents.
- The deputy system, where money from the mining companies would fund police deputies who would protect the mines. Most of the years were between these heavily armed mine-guards and striking miners, who were supported the unions.
- Learning about John Llewellyn Lewis, who was president of the United Mine Works for 40 years
- How much labor conditions and the type of work done in the United States have changed
- Some more background on Old Mother Jones, of magazine fame, who was stirring up crowds as an octogenarian

The book was published in the late 1960s and focuses on West Virginia, so it obviously does not cover the events depicted in the movie "Harlan County, USA".

[Lexi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was annoying because all of the dumb hicks in West Virginia apparently forgot that their noble ancestors would start bloody riots against corporations to protect their rights and now they just shoot heroin and bootlick for Walmart

[Blaire Malkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting history into the history of the mine wars in West Virginia and the use of the military and law enforcement and privately bought law enforcement to fight against union miners. The devastation to the region he saw up through the 1960s has only continued.

[Kate · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't really like this book and even less so after I learned a little more about the author from friends in Bluefield who actually knew him. Lee is very biased toward the coal operators and doesn't really speak with many actual miners who participated in these events. He sticks to talking to officials, many of whom weren't there during the heat of the events. He has a definite agenda with the book and while it does tell an interesting story of the coalfields, it only tells one side of the story. The book is not an objective telling of history and it is very easy to see which people Lee doesn't like by how he characterizes him as the book. It would recommend giving it a try, but Lee shouldn't be considered the definite authority on West Virginia's mine wars.

[Gabriel Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Local history warning us of the dangers of those who use martial law and force to maintain a capitalist society.

[Mike M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book! What a wild part of history that there isn't a huge amount of information about.

The author has many traits that make him a great person to talk about the events in the book:
1. Was actually there when it happened
2. Is ambivalent about the situation. Describes the bad actions on both sides
3. Looks hilarious

Some of the stuff in the book is so shocking and outrageous, you can't believe it's true. People will do some fucked up things for money.

[Hunter McCleary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This guy sure lead a colorful life. Seemed to know or have interviewed all the main characters.

[Brian Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story about the rough and tumble days of West Virginia's coalfields from the state attorney general serving at the time.

[Jim Woolwine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Authoritative. Well written. Unfortunate stories of mine feuds in West Virginia.