I've experienced homes heated by wood and homes heated by coal, and yet Ruth Goodman's book still held surprises for me. I didn't realize how very late some technologies (such as cast iron) came into existence, therefore how very difficult the first century or so of domestic coal adoption would have been. If you enjoy the author's other work, you will enjoy this. If you enjoy learning and thinking about the changes that common household living has changed, you will enjoy this. If you enjoy reading about women's history, then you will enjoy this.