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First published in 1935, The Stars Look Down tells the story of a North Country mining community as its inhabitants make their way through the various social and political challenges of the early 20th century. Digging into workers� rights, social change, and the relationship between labor and capitalism, the struggles of the novel�s trifecta of protagonists�politically minded miner David Fenwick, ambitious drifter Joe Gowlan, and frustrated yet meek mining-baron�s son Arthur Barras�remain compelling and relevant to readers in the 21st century. The Stars Look Down is one of many tales of the hardships of coal-mining communities during the industrial pre-war, World War I, and interwar periods in Britain, but stands out for its unflinching prose, universal themes, and keen storytelling. The novel was adapted into a 1940 film starring Michael Redgrave as Davey Fenwick, is a New York Times Critics� Pick, and is included in The New York Times Guide to the Best 1,000 Movies Ever Made.