King Coal by Upton Sinclair is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that sheds light on the harsh realities faced by coal miners in early 20th century America. The story follows the struggles of a young miner named Hal Warner as he navigates the dangerous and exploitative world of coal mining.

Sinclair's vivid descriptions of the working conditions in the mines are both heartbreaking and eye-opening. The author does a fantastic job of painting a vivid picture of the hardships faced by the miners, from the back-breaking labor to the constant threat of injury or death.

One of the most compelling aspects of the novel is Sinclair's portrayal of the social and economic inequalities that existed in the mining towns. The stark divide between the wealthy mine owners and the impoverished miners is a central theme throughout the book, and Sinclair does not shy away from exposing the injustices and corruption that perpetuated these inequalities.

Overall, King Coal is a gripping and powerful read that offers a glimpse into a dark chapter of American history. Sinclair's writing is both compelling and informative, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in the struggles of the working class and the fight for social justice.

Book Description:

King Coal is a book by Upton Sinclair, first published in 1917, that exposes the dirty working conditions in the coal mining industry in the western United States during the 1910s. As in an earlier work, The Jungle, Sinclair expresses his socialist viewpoints from the perspective of a single protagonist, Hal Warner, caught up in the schemes and plots of the oppressive American capitalist system. The book itself is based on the 1914-1915 Colorado coal strikes.
Reader’s note: In Book 4, there is no chapter numbered Section 16 in the public domain Gutenberg e-text. However, no actual text from the book appears to be missing.