The inter-relationship of coal, community and politics is central to the history of modern Wales and, for many, the south Wales valleys symbolize the culture of coalfield communityes. This book offers a new insight into mining history: it moves away from the industrial south and examines the recent history of the North Wales coalfield and its place in working-class history.

World War II brought about a remarkable expansion in female work opportunities in South Wales. Women suddenly found themselves performing unfamiliar work in unfamiliar surroundings and earning relatively handsome wages. Yet, despite the dramatic changes such work caused, surprisingly little is known about the experiences of women employed in the munitions factories of South Wales. A Forgotten Army aims to recover their lost voices and to highlight the vital role played by Welsh munitionettes in World War II.

The first in-depth study of the Communist Party's attitude to devolution in Wales, examined within the context of the rapid changes in twentieth century Welsh society, debates on devolution and identity on the British left, the role of nationalism within the communist movement, and the interplay of international and domestic factors.