Published in 1917, 'King Coal' by Upton Sinclair is a novel that examines the harsh realities faced by coal miners in the United States. The story follows Hal Warner, a young man from an upper-class background who adopts the alias 'Joe Smith' to work in the mines and uncover the exploitation and suffering of the workers. Through his experiences, Sinclair highlights the struggles for labor rights and the challenges of unionization against a backdrop of violence and oppression from coal companies. This work is notable for its social commentary on class struggle and the labor movement in early 20th-century America.
