The Rise and Fall of King Coal: American Energy Transitions in an Age of Markets, 1800-1940

A history of the dynamic role of coal in the energy landscape of the United States during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries.

In The Rise and Fall of King Coal, Mark Aldrich explores the pivotal role of coal in the historical energy landscape of the United States. Meticulously researched and clearly written, this analysis of the rise, dominance, and eventual decline of coal as a primary fuel source traces its evolution from the late eighteenth century to the mid-twentieth century.

Aldrich explains the factors that contributed to coal’s ascendancy and decline, including efficiency, marketing, and the technological advancements that facilitated both its widespread adoption and later decline. A complex interplay among market forces, government policies, and societal attitudes profoundly shaped the coal industry’s trajectory. Challenges and controversies have surrounded the production of coal since its inception, including labor issues, environmental concerns, and resource scarcity. Aldrich’s comprehensive approach--which combines historical analysis, economic perspectives, and a deep appreciation for the technological and scientific advancements that transformed the energy landscape--also emphasizes the role of innovation and entrepreneurship in driving energy transitions.

By providing a bottom-up history that underscores the pivotal role of individual choices and market dynamics, The Rise and Fall of King Coal offers valuable insights into the dynamic nature of energy transitions. In lively discussions of domestic cooking and heating, Aldrich emphasizes the importance of women in shaping households’ energy choices, and he gives voice to individual women and men as they describe how these decisions raised their standard of living. This book represents a seminal contribution to the field of energy history and highlights the complex interplay of factors that have shaped the evolution of energy use in the United States.

Mark Aldrich is the Marilyn Carlson Nelson Professor Emeritus of Economics at Smith College and the author of Death Rode the Rails: American Railroad Accidents and Safety, 1829-1965;Back on Track: American Railroad Accidents and Safety, 1965-2015; and Safety First: Technology, Labor, and Business in the Building of American Work Safety, 1870-1939.