A Handbook in the “Second Edition” format, covering the Northumberland Coalfield in great detail, based on many years of research. The coalfield had, at Wylam, one of the earliest railways to use locomotive haulage, and some extensive networks developed, like Ashington, Backworth, Cramlington, Hartley Main. The book comprises 392 pages with 182 photos, including an 18 page colour section of 36 photos. There are also 70 full colour maps in total, including 52 of colliery systems.

The book is divided into three sections.

• Section 1: Private mines pre nationalization
• Section 2: The mines of the National Coal Board and British Coal
• Section 3: Private small mines and non locomotive worked collieries