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| Final Rating: 3.9/5 |
A grand tour of an early 20th-century English Dynasty, Colliers and the industry that binds them in time…
Beginning in 1902, Black Diamonds: The Downfall of an Aristocratic Dynasty and the Fifty Years That Changed England takes the reader to the countryside of Yorkshire England in the early 20th century and explores the final days of grand aristocratic eras and the beyond dreadful conditions of the coal mining industry in vivid detail. You will get to know the intimate lives of the Fitzwilliams and their temporary joys and many sorrows as each generation succeeds to unfortunately add more scandalous affairs and enduring mysteries to an already insurmountable mass trove of secrets- ones that everyone it seems are determined to take to their graves. You will also hear in the background of tinkling glasses and swishing gowns, the black stories of the colliers and their families who lived and died on top and hundreds of feet underground. About more than half of this narrative is dedicated to the multiple legitimate and (possibly) illegitimate generations of the Fitzwilliams and the other to the punishing industry that helped build the means for this English Dynasty.
Although absolutely fascinating and intensively researched, this book does tend to lose its focus quite a few times- especially towards the end. Ms. Bailey does manage to pull some of these types of stray lines of topics back at several points but still; it was confusing and a little tedious to wait for a cohesive timeline of events to appear several chapters later and sadly not all the threads of subjects found a solid placement in this title. It also would have helped this reader if a detailed family tree or glossary would have been supplied, too many times I had to stop and try to figure out which “Billy” or “William” the book was referring to or which son, daughter or later generation the chapter was dedicated to. Still overall and little confusion aside, this was a grand informative read with many captivating historical subjects that kept me entertained very long into the night and I would recommend this title to those who can’t stop looking for overlooked or nearly forgotten portions of English history to explore.
Beginning in 1902, Black Diamonds: The Downfall of an Aristocratic Dynasty and the Fifty Years That Changed England takes the reader to the countryside of Yorkshire England in the early 20th century and explores the final days of grand aristocratic eras and the beyond dreadful conditions of the coal mining industry in vivid detail. You will get to know the intimate lives of the Fitzwilliams and their temporary joys and many sorrows as each generation succeeds to unfortunately add more scandalous affairs and enduring mysteries to an already insurmountable mass trove of secrets- ones that everyone it seems are determined to take to their graves. You will also hear in the background of tinkling glasses and swishing gowns, the black stories of the colliers and their families who lived and died on top and hundreds of feet underground. About more than half of this narrative is dedicated to the multiple legitimate and (possibly) illegitimate generations of the Fitzwilliams and the other to the punishing industry that helped build the means for this English Dynasty.
Although absolutely fascinating and intensively researched, this book does tend to lose its focus quite a few times- especially towards the end. Ms. Bailey does manage to pull some of these types of stray lines of topics back at several points but still; it was confusing and a little tedious to wait for a cohesive timeline of events to appear several chapters later and sadly not all the threads of subjects found a solid placement in this title. It also would have helped this reader if a detailed family tree or glossary would have been supplied, too many times I had to stop and try to figure out which “Billy” or “William” the book was referring to or which son, daughter or later generation the chapter was dedicated to. Still overall and little confusion aside, this was a grand informative read with many captivating historical subjects that kept me entertained very long into the night and I would recommend this title to those who can’t stop looking for overlooked or nearly forgotten portions of English history to explore.
* I would like to thank Penguin
Books and Edelweiss for the opportunity to read and enjoy Black
Diamonds: The Downfall of an Aristocratic Dynasty and the Fifty Years
That Changed England
*followed along this kindle version with audio version
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