Customer Reviews

A Way of Work and a Way of Life: Coal Mining in Thurber, Texas, 1888-1926 (Texas A&M Southwestern Studies)

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Although A Way of Work... concentrates on the "labor history" of Thurber, Chapter 2 (ca 20 pages equivalent to ca 20% of the actual text) superficially describes underground working conditions and methods of the coal cutters. Unfortunately, none of the other mine workers, nor their work, is more than mentioned in passing. Very little description is given of the mines themselves nor their operation-for example it is unclear even how many shafts were in operation at any particular time. In addition to labor history and the lives of the coal cutters, most of the remaining space is given to a description of the sociology of the company town. The book has other annoying empty holes, such not even superficially mentioning the fate of the town after 1926. But overall, A Way of Work...is well written and worthwhile.