The Red Earth: The Iron Mines of Furness, Dave Kelly — 1st Edition

£50.00

The Red Earth: The Iron Mines of Furness, Dave Kelly — 1st Edition

Name: The Red Earth: The Iron Mines of Furness, Dave Kelly — 1st Edition
Brand: Broadhursts Books
SKU: 6299
Price: 50.00 GBP
Availability: InStock

Write Review

In stock

£50.00

Shipping is calculated at checkout.

Publication: Barrow-in-Furness, William David Kelly, 1998

Formatting: 8vo, pp. 124.

Condition Report: Near Fine. This copy is presented in highly collectible condition, distinguished by a notably flat and uncreased spine which suggests the book remains unread. The pictorial card wrappers are exceptionally bright and fresh, with only the most microscopic rubbing to the extreme tips of the corners and a faint trace of handling wear to the edges. The perfect binding is remarkably tight and square, fully intact without any of the brittleness or cracking often found in paperbacks of this era. Internally, the text block is pristine, with clean, unblemished pages entirely free from foxing, oxidation, or previous ownership markings, making it an exceptional example of this regional history.

Catalogue Note: This is a true first edition, published privately by the author in November 1998. Printed locally by Trinity Press in Barrow-in-Furness, this monograph provides a meticulously researched account of the iron ore mining industry that transformed the Furness peninsula from the early eighteenth century onwards.

Profusely illustrated throughout with historical photographs, technical drawings, and maps, the book documents the rapid industrialisation of the region, the construction of the Furness Railway, and the growth of Barrow itself.

Given its highly specific regional focus and small, private print run, this first edition has become increasingly scarce on the open market, particularly in such well-preserved condition. It stands as an essential reference for industrial archaeologists, local historians, and collectors of Cumbrian heritage.

The Red Earth offers a comprehensive and engaging history of the iron ore mining industry that catalysed the massive industrial transformation of Furness. From the early charcoal furnaces at Cunsey and Backbarrow in 1711 to the booming nineteenth-century export trade that birthed the town of Barrow and its railway, Dave Kelly details the incredible scale of the region's mineral wealth. Through rich historical context and extensive contemporary illustrations, this book captures the monumental shift of a rural landscape into a global industrial powerhouse, providing a fascinating glimpse into the deep subterranean history of Cumbria.

Book Condition: Near Fine

Book Authors: Dave Kelly

Book Publisher: William David Kelly

Book Language: English

Narrative Type: Non-Fiction

Genre: History

Book edition: First Edition

Signed: No

Book Pages: 124

Book Publication Year: 1998

Book Publication Date:

Book Binding: Paperback

Illustrator: N/A

Book Series: N/A

Country/region of manufacture: Barrow-in-Furness, United Kingdom

Book Dimensions:

Book Condition Guide

We stock thousands of books in a wide range of conditions. To make things clear and to help you know exactly what to expect, Please refer to these condition categories to understand the condition of the book you will receive.

Condition	Description
New	A brand-new, unread and professionally handled book. Carefully preserved from publication to purchase, these books are offered in the best attainable condition. This grade applies to recently published titles that have not entered long-term storage.
As New	The book is in pristine, original condition as if just published. No signs of use or handling. The dust jacket (if present) is equally flawless. This grade applies to any book that has remained untouched in storage for years.
Fine	The book is close to As New. It remains bright and attractive, but could show minor imperfections to the boards and/or dust jacket (if present). Its pages are typically clean and unmarked.
Near Fine	The book has a number of small flaws, i.e. slight rubbing to the edges, or tiny chips or creases to the dust jacket (if present). Its pages may have faint marks, or creases that are barely perceptible — nothing that detracts from their overall condition.
Very Good	The book maintains its structural integrity, and has no major flaws such as tears to its binding or pages. It may, however, show signs of careful use, handling, or storage — small marks and creases, light foxing. Its dust jacket (if present) remains fully intact, but small tears may be present.
Good	A book that remains intact and readable with complete text pages, but shows moderate signs of wear and use to both the book and dust jacket (if present). It may have noticeable creases, nicks, or stains, and the spine likely shows fading, bumping, and rubbing. There could be writing, underlining, and other marks on some pages, though the majority will be clean and tidy.
Fair	A book with significant wear or damage. The text pages will be complete, but there may be heavy underlining, highlighting and staining throughout, and the book’s endpapers, half-title, and copyright pages could be damaged or missing. The binding could be loose, and the dust jacket (if present) may have notable scuffs or tears. These copies are usually of interest for content, signature(s) or scarcity.
Poor	A heavily worn book whose value lies in its complete and legible text. A poor book will have substantial defects — loose joints or hinges, detached covers, loose and/or missing pages, and could be heavily soiled. A poor book is also known as a reading copy, and although compromised, can hold historical or bibliographic significance.