A Pitman’s Anthology, published by James & James, is a rich source of coalmining literature consisting of over 50 authors, some of whom are major figures like Robert Burns, D H Lawrence, J B Priestly and Emile Zola, others miners themselves mostly long forgotten but writing from direct experience with passion and authenticity. This anthology is the earliest substantial collection of poems, prose and songs describing in absorbing and captivating narrative, the harsh working conditions, the constant danger, the numerous tragedies in mines, as well as the compassion and comradeship of pitmen and women.
The text is beautifully illustrated with images of miners and mining subjects by a variety of British and Continental artists.
William Maurice, the compiler, was one of the leading mining engineers of his day in Britain, with life-long commitment to safety in mines and admiration for miners and their communities. During his lifetime he built an extensive collection of mining literature and works of art.
The editor, William Jackson, a grandson of William Maurice, is a fine art dealer and writer, and lectures in art.