The Riches Beneath our Feet

The Riches Beneath our Feet
Author: Geoff Coyle
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Total Pages: 288
Release: 2010-04-22
Genre: History
ISBN: 0191613975

Britain's mining and quarrying industries date back to the Stone Age flint mines of 2500 BC and still exist. In that period of more than 4,000 years the country's miners have produced colossal amounts of copper, tin, lead, zinc, iron, a lot of silver and some gold, and smaller amounts of just about every other metal from arsenic to uranium. The metals were the foundation of our industrial wealth and ease of living but they were driven by King Coal, which at its peak employed a million men and produced more than 200 million tons a year. Granite from Scotland, limestone from Southern England, sandstone and Welsh slate provided our homes, factories, roads and harbours. None of this could have been achieved without the genius of engineers such as James Watt, and the invention of powerful steam engines and many other technical advances. Our good fortune in this cornucopia of wealth derives from the Island's astonishing geological history: what is now Southern England was once on the Antarctic Circle. Professor Geoff Coyle, a former mining engineer and from a mining family himself, sketches the story of how mining has shaped Britain. The account is wide ranging, involving stories of the mineral wealth of Britain and its expliotation, from simple quarrying to the advent of mass production. There are tales of the miners' lives and the great mining families, as well as accounts of the miner's work, the conditions in the mines, and mining disasters. Coyle weaves his personal experience and passion into the story, illuminating the industrial history, geology, and technology. Each chapter highlights one of the main mining fields and explores the mineral in question, its exploitation, and how technological changes affected the mining techniques used.

Global Soil Local Harvest

Global Soil Local Harvest
Author: Yves Earhart
Publisher: Publifye AS
Total Pages: 68
Release: 2024-09-30
Genre: Gardening
ISBN: 8233931802

""Global Soil, Local Harvest"" takes readers on a captivating journey through the world of soils and gardening, exploring how diverse soil types shape cultures and cuisines across the globe. This unique book combines soil science, sustainable agriculture, and practical gardening advice, making complex concepts accessible to everyday enthusiasts. Readers will discover fascinating insights, such as how volcanic soils in Hawaii differ from Northern European clay, and how these variations influence local growing practices. The book progresses through chapters focused on different regions, weaving together scientific explanations, cultural anecdotes, and interviews with local experts. It addresses modern challenges like climate change and urbanization, offering innovative solutions such as vertical gardening in cities and drought-resistant landscaping. A key theme is the concept of soil as a living ecosystem, introducing readers to the bustling world of earthworms and microorganisms beneath our feet. Throughout the narrative, ""Global Soil, Local Harvest"" provides practical ""Bring It Home"" sections, allowing readers to apply global lessons to their own gardens. By emphasizing organic methods, biodiversity, and soil conservation, the book empowers gardeners to work with nature and contribute to broader sustainability efforts. Whether you're a novice grower or an experienced gardener, this engaging exploration of global soils and local harvests offers valuable insights for cultivating success in any environment.

The Standing Dead

The Standing Dead
Author: Ricardo Pinto
Publisher: Macmillan
Total Pages: 572
Release: 2003-03
Genre: Fiction
ISBN: 9780312872090

At the heart of The Three Lands, there is a paradise, filled with beauty and wonders of all kinds. A lush and vibrant place, it stands in sharp contrast to the baseness and squalor of the world outside the walls of Osrakum. But this beauty comes at a cost. The Masters who rule the world are driven by sadistic dreams and mythic charms. They use their vast powers to leech the resources of the world unto themselves, to create an artificial haven where they play out twisted games of power amid a decadent splendor. Within the inner circle of power lies a glittering court where the royal houses plot vile atrocities, and madness and bestiality hold sway. The Masters are nothing less than gods in this realm and their plans (or whims) can bring either perfect pleasure... or death. Young Carnelian has spent his entire life in exile with his father, a nobleman who rejected the evil ways of his people and fled to the ends of the known world. But forces conspired to change all that, and Carnelian returned to his homeland. He is a sheep among wolves, and it has taken every ounce of his strength to resist the temptations of power that threaten to seduce his very soul. What Carnelian could never have imagined was that he would fall in love with none other than Osidian, one of the twin Gods, ruler of his world--or that forces far darker than he thought possible would use him as a weapon. When the young lovers are kidnapped by the Empress Ykoriana and forced from the safety of the empire, it appears that their lives are forfeit. But Carnelian and Osidian fall into the hands of barbarians from the southern plain they call the Undersky. These raiders manage to elude the legions of the Masters, and after enduring terrible hardships, they succeed in bringing their prizes home to their tribe. Carnelian comes to realize that the world is much more bizarre than he could ever imagine, that love can sometimes blind you to things that may destroy you, that the simple things the heart can teach you will prove to be the most true.... And that he holds in his hands the potential to save or doom all of his world. The Standing Dead is the powerful sequel to Ricardo Pinto's first novel The Chosen, and it continues this unique fantasy series about power, eros, and madness...and the depths a man will go to for love. It is the second volume in The Stone Dance of the Chameleon series, and he is currently at work on the third. Ricardo Pinto resides in Edinburgh, Scotland.

Annual Report

Annual Report
Author: Ohio State Board of Agriculture
Publisher:
Total Pages: 724
Release: 1871
Genre:
ISBN: