A study of the history of the coal industry of South Wales has long been awaited, and the present book, the first of two volumes intended to supply that need, describes the growth of the industry during a crucial period in its history. The change to steam transport both at sea and on land gave the coal resources of South Wales a new value, and the industry, increasing in production nearly fourfold ousted iron from the supremacy it had hitherto enjoyed. The expansion in the general market is described in detail including, among many other things, an interesting account of the rivalry with the North of England over Admiralty contracts. Accounts are given of the changing techniques adopted to increase output, of the part played in the industry by the mineral owners and colliery proprietors, and of the methods by which capital was raised and commerce organised.