Description
Hardcover has a short tear in the material covering the spine. Otherwise the red linen cover is in good condition. The binding is secure and the pages are clean. With 38 illustrations.
This charming early 20th century volume invites readers on an illuminating journey through the life cycle of coal, a fuel that powered the Industrial Revolution and shaped modern civilization. Written by Edward Alfred Martin, a renowned science educator and popularizer, “The Story of a Piece of Coal” is a delightful blend of scientific knowledge and literary storytelling. With vivid descriptions and 38 illustrative plates, Martin traces coal’s origins from ancient plant matter to its extraction from the depths of the earth, its transformation into a versatile energy source, and its vital role in driving machinery, heating homes, and fueling progress.
Beyond its informative content, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into the era’s fascination with scientific inquiry and the dissemination of knowledge to the masses through accessible, engaging literature. Its inclusion in the “Library of Valuable Knowledge” series speaks to the Victorian ethos of self-improvement and intellectual curiosity. For collectors and readers alike, this volume is a captivating time capsule, celebrating both the wonders of nature and the marvels of human ingenuity.