It has been said that a mine is a hole in the ground with a Cornishman at the bottom, a tribute to the generation of Cornishmen who have followed the ancient craft for over 3000 years. Traces of mining work may be found in almost every parish in the country, whether as buildings, shafts, adits or machinery. Within this mineral wealth, however, the jewel in the crown has for centuries been the area around Camborne and Redruth. Lying amid the granite hills of Carn Brea, Carn Marth and Carn Enthral, this mineralized zone is about 3 1/2 miles wide and 4 miles long. It contains the world-famous camborne School of Mines along with more large workings than any other are of Cornwall. Dolcoath, south Crofty, East Pool and Agar and a host of other important mining concerns flank the granite outcrops. Started as copper workings these mines soon found that the copper gave way to Cornwall's oldest, most valuable commodity; tin. In this first collection of Cornish mining pictures, J.H. Trounson adn L.J. Bullen concentrates on this busy area, offering a comprehensive visual tour of its mines and miners, engines, buildings adn way of life. Drawing on an unrivalled private collection and enriched by detailed, informed commentary, these pictures - many never before published - rediscover Cornwall's mining past to bring this bygone heartland of Britain's industry to life.