The Black Country in the West Midlands covers the towns of Dudley, Wolverhampton, Walsall, and Sandwell. The area became famous as one of the birthplaces of the Industrial Revolution but there is much more to the area than its industrial heritage, although that has undoubtedly played a strong part in forging the shared history and identity of the area. 50 Gems of the Black Country takes the reader on a fascinating journey through the highlights of the area which has many diverse attractions, from the history of the area before the Industrial Revolution, through the legacy of coal mining and other mineral extraction, iron and steel works, and other heavy manufacturing, the canals that aided these industries, to more recent attractions. In 50 Gems of the Black Country, author John Shipley explores the many places and their history that make this part of the West Midlands so distinctive. Alongside the justly famous sites the author includes many lesser known gems that are equally deserving of attention.