The Big Idea

"The Big Idea" by Ray Cummings is a story about a young coal miner named Jimmy Rand, who wants more from life than just working in the mines. He's a strong young man with a loving girlfriend, Anne, but he feels stuck doing the same job his family has always done. One day, while underground, Jimmy has a brilliant idea: instead of digging up coal, why not use the heat from the burning coal right there? This idea sparks a big dream in Jimmy, a dream of becoming rich and famous by changing how coal is used, and he becomes determined to make it a reality, hoping it will transform not only his life but also Anne's. The book sets up a classic battle of ambition against humble beginnings, promising a journey full of challenges and possibilities as Jimmy tries to turn his "big idea" into something real.