Many books have been written about American communism in diverse regional settings; yet, no author has penned a volume that deals with these American radicals in one of 20th century America's major industrial centers, the anthracite fields of northeastern Pennsylvania.

Anthracite Reds serves several purposes. It can be read as a reference work that would be useful to libraries, museums, and researchers. It may also, however, be read as a compelling narrative that tells an interesting story for general readers.