early history & economic analysis of the british coal trade

First edition of this rare, early analysis of the economic and social impacts of the British coal trade, an enlarged and revised version of the author's 1803 publication An Essay on the Coal Trade. Worldcat records only one institutional copy of this edition, at the University of Saint Andrews, with further research locating one at the UK's National Coal Mining Museum. A second edition was published the following year.

By the beginning of the 18th century coal was the major source of fuel for London, primarily mined in the area around Newcastle and then shipped by sea to ports around Britain, with occasional attempts at cartelisation by producers, as well as high government taxes (Hausman, 'A Model of the London Coal Trade in the Eighteenth Century', Quarterly Journal of Economics, vol. XCIV, no. 1, February 1980).

While the background of author Robert Edington is unknown, it is likely he was involved with this trade, and was certainly educated and well-versed in contemporary economic and legal issues. He begins this treatise with a history of Newcastle's business charters, the introduction of coal to London, and the government Acts to regulate the trade, and he discusses the regional uses of coal and importation from other regions such as Scotland. Edington argues that the industry was contributing significantly to Britain's economic, technological, and even naval power, but his main aim was to expose and remedy abuses and graft, such as erroneous measurements, tax fraud, and wastage due to poor industrial practices. Environmental and health concerns about coal smoke are discussed, but the author dismisses these by arguing that modern coal fires and domestic housing are cleaner and safer, and that other energy sources such as wood and charcoal are just as dangerous.

First edition; 8vo (21 x 13 cm); pages 73-80 misbound between pages 64 and 65, closed tear repaired with tissue affecting F5 (pages 73 and 74), lower corner of C2 (pages 19 and 20) torn, not affecting text, ownership signature to title; contemporary half calf recently rebacked to style, spine gilt in compartments, marbled sides, red speckled edges, boards a little rubbed, some wear to corners, very good condition; 261 pp.