The biography Rum and Coal, written by Chris Wright, tells Ken's story. From his humble Aussie working-class beginnings, his journey to creating a coal mining empire, the unexpected challenges along the way, and finally, the fateful flight that instantly took his and ten other lives.

Ken's personal notes, written as a blueprint for his success, generously provided interviews with family, colleagues and friends that knew him best, factual insights into business dealings and negotiations, and some hilarious anecdotes often involving a few rum and cokes, allow us to meet the real Ken Talbot.

A story for those that knew him, those who would have liked to have known him and for anyone wishing to understand how a folded piece of A4 paper in your top pocket can be the key to success.