The Domestic Revolution: How the Introduction of Coal Into Victorian Homes Changed Everything

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The black cast-iron range serves as a focal point for exploring the Victorian era's transformative relationship with coal. Ruth Goodman argues that this shift from wood to coal not only fueled domestic life but also sparked the Industrial Revolution. She chronicles the evolution from the reign of Queen Elizabeth I to Queen Victoria, highlighting the innovations driven by the women who managed these stoves. Through humorous personal anecdotes, Goodman illustrates how domestic needs catalyzed significant advancements in various industries, revealing the broader implications of this everyday appliance.