BETHEA, Jack. The Deep Seam [FIRST FEMALE COAL-MINER]. London: Hodder and Stoughton, (1925).

First English Edition. Scarce labor themed novel and romance between two coal-miners, and featuring the first coal mining female in American literature. The main character is determined to be by the side of the man she loves. She learns how to be a powder monkey by listening to the talk of miners in the office where she works. Eventually, disguised as a man, she joins her unsuspecting lover in the mine. In creating a strong, imaginative, female character, Bethea challenged traditional gender relationships; but he went only so far. By novel's end the disguised female miner is injured, losing all desire to work underground and, most of all, wanting the security of male support". [David C. Duke; Writers and Miners] Near Fine but for foxing to page edges, in dustjacket that would be Very Good but for a sticker price having been clipped out at spine, little more than square inch, soiling to panels.

Price: $300.00