This book tells of the two major colliery disasters that occurred at Abercanaid near Merthyr in the 19th century. The first in 1862 saw the death of 47 men and boys and the second, in 1865, when another 34 were victims. It goes on to record the poor working conditions endured by the colliers in the South Wales valleys, and in particular the poor lighting and ventilation that they were forced to endure to earn a meagre living. For anyone interested in Merthyr history or the coal industry in south Wales this book will be an interesting read.