Book excerpt: First published in 1984, The Politics of the Yorkshire Miners examines all aspects of political activity of the Yorkshire Area of the NUM. The book was written using original research from the archives of the Yorkshire Area combined with the author’s personal experience. It explores developments from 1945 onwards, and looks at internal politics within the Area, discussing the nature of policies on both industrial bargaining and wider political aims. It considers the role of sponsored MPs and their relationship to the Area, as well as the NUM’s ‘special relationship’ with the Labour Party. The structure of the Area and its role within the NUM nationally are also discussed, and detailed analysis is given to the strikes of 1972 and 1974.