Coal Country: Rising Up Against Mountaintop Removal Mining

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

Based on a documentary film, this illustrated volume exposes the politics and economics of mountaintop-removal (MTR) mining in Appalachia, and the devastation inflicted on workers, the landscape and the environment by the mining companies.

Genres: Nonfiction

294 pages, Hardcover

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.