Mining Men

'Mining Men is a rare thing – a book which comes from generous, sustained and informed listening. Emily Webber has collected and curated stories from the life and death of an industry which defined Britain. She pays tribute to the miners in her subtle, evocative prose. It is a skilful book, full of compassion. She has done the industry and the "kings of the coalface" proud.''

Helen Mort

'A powerful, enlightening study of the beauty and brutality of British coal mining, and a hymn to the men who were born into and lived through the mining way of life - told through their authentic voices, it is essential reading for those who care about the social and political effects of coal mining history, and the history of us working-class.'

Natasha Carthew

[A] hugely impressive book… a compelling, unflinching account that rattles by as a great human saga, full of tales of tragedy, gallows humour and camaraderie

The Times

Fascinating ... An engaging history of post-war British mining

Daily Telegraph

An absorbing and enjoyable read, Mining Men offers an interesting exploration of an important chapter of Britain’s industrial and social history, and an illuminating peek into the lives of those who risked everything to warm our hearths...thoughtful and nuanced

The Herald

I read this book at one sitting… Webber is a historian who can write with the creative style, flair and passion of a novelist… A thoroughly interesting and informative read that often moved me beyond words and which will be of interest to all

Morning Star