This book is a portrayal of miners rather than mining. It looks at a fascinating range of individuals from rich aristocrats to men who only ventured underground because they were poverty-stricken. Special attention is given to key mining communities – Swaledale as well as Greenhow, Grassington and Hebden.

David Joy MBE is a former editor of The Dalesman who has written more than 40 books, mainly on the Yorkshire Dales and railways.