Coal Black Heart: The Story of Coal and Lives it Ruled

by John Demont

A major new work of history, told through the stories of a teeming cast of characters.

The history of coal is the story of the last two centuries of the industrialized world. Coal has powered that world, and controlled the destinies of millions. And nowhere has that influence run more deeply than in Nova Scotia, where the industry’s rise and decline has transformed society twice.

Coal Black Heart is a global history that centres unapologetically on one province, and the generations of people whose lives there have been shaped by this dominating industry. There are the miners. There are the moonshiners and brooding social reformers and charismatic preachers who gave the mining towns their particular feel and flair. And there are the profiteers whose greed led to disaster.

This is history as great storytelling - enthralling, involving, deeply moving, and it is a very personal narrative. A brilliant reporter, journalist, and author who has spent most of his career examining Nova Scotia’s weave of land, people, and history - and who grew up listening to its stories - John DeMont was born to write this book.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Susan Roach · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book a 10 star rating I would. The misery and hardship of coal miners and their families must be read to be truly understood, as a person who was many miles removed from their life and lifestyles. If you are not a union person before reading this book.... you certainly will be after. Congratulations to John Demont.

[Barbara McEwen · Rating 1 out of 5]

The subject matter is fascinating, I just don't like the writing. I am lucky to have gone out to Cape Breton myself though and get some of an idea of the amazing history there.