The book is the culmination of three years of work by Mike and Maggie, with the help of many. It covers over 268 years and is crammed with facts, statistics, maps, and pictures about the mines, accidents, methods of work, and local stories.

The book has 140 pages, photographs, and a detailed index with over 430 personal names. It also includes details of associated industries, walks in the area, an analysis of mining accidents, notes on the founders of the coalfield, and a glossary of mining terms.