Blown to Bits in the Mine

Blown to Bits in the Mine charts the evolution of the use of explosives for mining and quarrying in North America from the Industrial Revolution into the twentieth century. The art of blasting was of prime importance to mining because explosives enabled miners to move through solid rock as no other technology could. This book presents a detailed look at the whole process of using explosives, from drilling blast-holes to setting off the charges, with an emphasis on technology, material culture, and the impacts to the mine as a work environment. Everyone with a penchant for mining history will enjoy this book.