This book is about life and work in the Forest of Dean during the first half of the last century. The story is comprised of the reminiscences of the men who, as boys, dragged coal in the pits and of the women who shared their hard and often dangerous lives. This account, illustrated with many black and white images, is a narration of an important time in social history. It is a unique record of the day to day life of the people who worked in the traditional industries of the Forest of Dean and will be of interest to all who know the area.