King Coal
Upton Sinclair
Read by MichelleHarris
King Coal is a book by Upton Sinclair, first published in 1917, that exposes the dirty working conditions in the coal mining industry in the western United States during the 1910s. As in an earlier work, The Jungle, Sinclair expresses his socialist viewpoints from the perspective of a single protagonist, Hal Warner, caught up in the schemes and plots of the oppressive American capitalist system. The book itself is based on the 1914-1915 Colorado coal strikes. (Summary by Wikipedia)
Reader's note: In Book 4, there is no chapter numbered Section 16 in the public domain Gutenberg e-text. However, no actual text from the book appears to be missing. (14 hr 25 min)
Chapters
Reviews
My new favorite book
Ada Ebbis
This book manages to tackle such a difficult topic while engaging the reader to care for the characters. The reader is exposed to dire circumstances that Americans in the coal countries were forced to deal with, but the author manages to keep the reader from becoming emotionally overwhelmed by including clever story telling weaved into the telling of facts. Excellent authorship! Upton Sinclar is a genius..
Amazing work!
free knowledge is the best knowledge!
I have really begun to become a fan of Upton Sinclair, and the reader for this book is another reason why I love his work! They put their heart, and soul, into reading this book with a great emotional delivery, and articulation. The book made me feel like there’s still a lot going on that is wrong in society, and has a lasting influence even to today.
Classic social novel
Ben Bris
One of the most important labor novels of the 20th century and a warning to those who flirt with libertarian politics. An exciting story in its own right, KING COAL also reveals the awful conditions in the early Colorado coal mines. Lots of appealing characters, moral ambiguity, and even a little romance... Thanks to Michelle Harris for a very nice reading.
Portrait of capitalism
fatnmad
This was a wonderfull portrait of capitalism and the power that corporations use to fulfill their aims - with much disrespect to people. Tough times have changed: the problem still exists and progresses into our 'middleclass'. Thanks for this beautifully and joyfully read piece of history - and future.
Well put.
Jet
It is soul searching to listen to this book, and ask yourself where you would fit into this story had you been a part of it, and what are we doing about suchlike things today? Thank you, Mr. Sinclair, for writing this book.
Brilliant!
Basil Simon - MLC
history, plot, surprise, mystery, education, romance, pace & excellent narration all add up to making this a "must listen" i will now listen to more of the fabulous Upton SInclair!
Unknown
A thoughtful and provoking story that still gives light to today’s industrial corporations control in American life—things have not changed!
A LibriVox Listener
Novel has truth that resonates now a hundred years later!