These are two very significant but different books and in both cases must be seen as the ultimate text
Ross Island Mining, Metal and Society in Early Ireland
William O'Brien (with contributors) A4 Monograph hardback 800 pages, 120 plates, 259 line drawings.
This is the authorities text on this site and bronze age mining, Archaeological investigations At Ross Island Mine in Killarney Co Kerry reveal important evidence for the beginnings of the bronze Age in Munster. New discoveries suggest that this was the first place where copper was produced in Ireland. Mining began here around 2400 BC, producing large amounts of a distinctive metal that circulated widely over the near 400 years. The strength of this production contributed greatly to an increasing use of metal in Ireland and Britain towards the end of the Neolithic. The wider significance of the site lies in links to international "Beaker Culture" which was central to the spread of metallurgy in Atlantic Europe from around 2500 BC. This is also the first copper mine to be identified from the early medieval period in Ireland when there was a "Golden Age of metalworking". There was also significant mining in Ross Island in the post - medieval era, culminating in large -scale industrial operations in the early nineteenth century.
This major publication presents the results of a decade of research on the Ross Island mine, undertaken by the National University of Ireland, Galway in collaboration with other interests in Ireland and abroad. The complexities of a multi-period mining landscape are unravelled using historical sources in combination with detailed survey and major programme of archaeological excavation. Different aspects of this unique site are explored from its mining history in early medieval times to the working of a copper mine some 4500 years ago at the dawn of the Irish Bronze Age. The history and archaeology of post-medieval mining at Ross Island are also examined. This inter-disciplinary study includes an analysis of the Geology and natural environment of the mine. The settlement background of the miners is examined within a broader understanding of metal and society in early Ireland
£55.00 + £9.00 post and packing
The Great Laxey Mine, Isle of Man
Andrew Scarfe, Hard back 315mm x 255mm, 232pp colour photos and plans including a large pull out plan
This must be the best value mining book I have ever seen the very large publication means it will deservedly stand out in your book collection it is superb. No expense has been spared to produce this volume with full colour modern photos and plans supplemented with black and white historical records.
The Book traces the development of the Great Laxey Mine and charts its eventual decline as the mineral vein became more elusive and competition ores brought about a fall in profits. The machinery is explained in detail with technical drawings and plans . With the building of the world famous Lady Isabella Waterwheel described in full. The lives and working conditions of the miners are also part of the story. There were accidents , deaths, strikes, hardship and appalling working conditions,and the comradeship of a close knit mining community which helped those down on their luck is also considered..
In addition the other mines in the Laxey area are also described including Snaefell Mine, Glen Roy Mine, North and East Laxey Mines and Dhoon Rhennie Mine
£19.99 = £7.50 post and packing
Mike
all available via WWW.moorebooks.co.uk
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