This book deals with the industry that forged the modern world. Throughout history metals and raw materials have underpinned human activity. So it is that the industry responsible for extracting these materials from the ground - mining - has been ever present throughout the history of civilisation, from the ancient world of the Egyptians and Romans, to the industrial revolution and the British Empire, and through to the present day, with mining firms well represented on the world's most important stock indexes including the FTSE100. This book traces the history of mining from those early moments when man first started using tools to the present day where metals continue to underpin economic activity in the post industrial age. In doing so, the history of mining methods, important events, technological developments, the important firms and the sparkling personalities that built the industry are examined in detail. At every stage, as the history of mining is traced from 40,000BC to the present day, the level of detail increases in accordance with the greater social and industrial developments that have played out as time has progressed.This means that a particular focus is given to the period since the industrial revolution and especially the 20th century. A look is also taken into the future in an effort to chart the direction this great industry might take in years to come. Many books have been written about mining; the majority have focused on a particular metal, geographical area, mining event or mining personality, but "The History of Mining" has a broader scope and covers all of these essential and fascinating areas in one definitive volume.

The prospect of instant riches gives the mining sector an obvious glamour. And when the mining sector begins to run it can be an awesome sight and the excitement generated can be every bit as seductive and heady as that which enveloped markets during the internet boom. But due to the counter-cyclical nature of many mining stocks, they can also offer a valuable refuge when stock markets turn down. In this fully revised and updated second edition, Michael Coulson gives a masterly overview of the sector, explains both the rewards and the pitfalls of investing in mining shares, studies the history of mining booms and busts, looks at the latest, biggest importers such as China and India, and argues convincingly that mining should once again form a core sector for all investors.This book is for anyone interested in mining, and particularly mining as an investment. Whilst it contains material which will be useful to even experienced followers of the sector, its main target is those who are interested in mining but perhaps not particularly familiar with the sector, and would like to know more.All the subjects are covered that are fundamental to acquiring sufficient knowledge about the mining sector to invest in it with confidence. While the mining sector's global focus is both educational and rewarding, on a more basic level the sector has been (and indeed still is) enormous fun to follow and invest in. This book reflects that and also provides some thoughts as to how this fun can be turned to profit.

Designed for complete beginners, and tested for years with real learners, Complete Sanskrit offers a bridge from the textbook to the real world, enabling you to learn the grammar, understand the vocabulary and even how to translate the inscriptions and texts from this ancient and religiously significant Indian language. Structured around authentic material, and introducing the Devangari script for those who wish to take their understanding further, this first updated new edition for some twenty years also features: -15 learning units plus glossary and reference section -Authentic materials - language taught through key texts -Teaches the key skills - reading and understanding Sanskrit grammar and vocabulary -Covers Devangari script -A new Preface and updated further resources -Additional learning activities -Self tests and learning activities - see and track your own progress Rely on Teach Yourself, trusted by language learners for over 75 years.