This book provides a comprehensive study of coal in the energy market up until the mid-1980s. It looks at the economics of coal production, the reasons for past decline and the prospects for the industry at the time. The study shows that while much of the loss of market was unlikely to be recovered, coal will have continuing importance - primarily because of remaining competitive in the generation of electricity. This 1987 book looks in detail at the production and consumption trends, the pattern of international trade, the coal market in the major regions, and at how public policy influenced the development of coal. It also looks at different forms of regulation in the coal market - from state regulation of private producers, to direct state intervention and ownership - and their implications. It examines the likely future trends, and draws conclusions for policy towards coal.