Reviews

REVIEWS Graham Webster, Practical Archaecl.ogy. 9t x6:- in. Pp. xii+l64, 11 pls. and 22 figs. Adam and Charles Black, London, 1974. £3.00. Eleven years after its first publication, Dr. Webster has found the time for a second edition of his well-known manual, Practical ArclW,eology. In format larger than its predecessor, this new edition has allowed its author to take into account the 'great changes (that) have taken place in both the field techniques and attitudes towards archaeology in Britain' (p. ix); this ha.s brought about a re-casting of chapter III where Dr. Webster now advocates the use of open stripping in excavation in preference to the well-established grid-system of excavation. Apparent though the advantages of the former method over the latter are to any excavator, open stripping is still, by and large, a system which presupposes leisurely excavation and resources of la.hour and time, which are mainly available to those working in a full-time ea.pa.city, with the backing of Government or University funds; 'the amateur operating in a very modest way' (p. fa:}, of whom Dr. Webster is thankfully well aware and for whom he writes, may still regard open stripping as an ideal well beyond his reach. So long as small groups 'have competent leaders and submit themselves to the rigorous discipline and the high standards demanded of modern excavation techniques' (p. ix), so long as they share their information by rapid publication, it matters little which method is used, and considerations other than personal choice will continue to dictate choice of method; what has become 'rapidly out of date' (p. x:).is not so much the method used but the financial resources devoted to archaeology in Britain. However, Dr. Webster is characteristically modest in hoping that his second edition 'may be a useful introduction' (p. x) for the beginner. For, in five chapters closely-packed with information disseminated in his unmistakable, lucid style, the author deals with such topics as archaeological organization, field work and excavation, scientific examination and their validating sine qua non, publication; in these chapters, much will be found to be recommended reading for many 'advanced' excavators. The book is, in many ways, a model of the best type of printing by the offset-litho process, and this is most evident in the plates, which are usually the worst sufferers of this process. Apart from any consideration of merit, this hind-bound volume is very modestly priced in these days of virtually prohibitive prices and must surely find n, place in every archaeological library, whether private or public. A. P. DETSIOAS 215 REVIEWS Kent Through the Years. By Christopher Wright. 8J in. X 5½ in. Pp. 192, with numerous illustrations. Bat.sford, 1975. £3.50. There is apparently sufficient demand for popular books on the history of our county to warrant the frequent appearance in recent years of works of this kind. Inevitably, they must be repetitive and one searches hopefully into every successive volume for some new material to leaven the lump. 1\fr. Wright is a teacher of history and he writes in a clear and attractive style. In the later chapters he tells us, among other things, about the conditions of the poor in the nineteenth century, the development of seaside resort.s, hop-picking and Kent's part in World War II. This is certainly interesting and readable, besides being copiously illustrated with old prints, etc. In his earlier chapters, however (in which he acknowledges the help of two other writers), there is a regrettable number of inaccuracies, the archaeological information in Chapters I-III being particularly faulty. For example, the earliest flint tools in Kent are Clactonian, not hand-axes; the Halling skeleton is Neolithic, not Palaeolithic; the bronze bucket-mount from Boughton Aluph is Early Iron Age, not 'Bronze Age of the first century B.o.'. Moreover, one of the illustrations in the chapter on .Anglo-Saxon Kent is entitled 'A Danish Vessell discovered in the Rother in 1822'. The picture, however, carries its own contradiction-the articles from the vessel depicted _in the margin are quite typically sixteenth-century. When we come to the Middle Ages, we are given a startling variation on the well-known story of the Boxley rood in which we are told 'On the Cross stood an image of the Virgin, which was supposed to be miraculously gifted with movement and speech' (my italics)! The book is attractively presented, and it is a pity that, for the reasons given above, it cannot be wholeheartedly recommended as a dependable source of information on K.entish life and history. A. c. li.ARroSON The Parish Olvurch of St. Augustine, Snave. By D. L. Cawley. 8½ in. X 6 in. Pp. 15, 2 line drawings and 4 photographs. 1974. 18p. This church is among the smallest of those in Romney Marsh, but not by any means the least in interest, and the guidebook recently written by the Reverend David Cawley will be a valuable aid to visitors. No church guide should be without a plan, and we are pleased to note that in this case one is included indicating the architectural work of various periods from the twelfth to the nineteenth cen;turies. There is a good illustration of the Royal Arms of 1735, recently restored 216 REVIEWS in a manner which would have given satisfaction to the late V. J. Torr, and the view of the interior of the nave does justice to the remarkable medieval roof. In the description of the roof, however, the writer falters, for he refers to joists when he obviously means rafters, and he uses the terms king-post and crown-post in a way suggesting that he is uncertain of their technical difference; nor is one aware of what he means by 'upright wall plates'. Attention is drawn to the memorial to Major Max Teichman Derville, Lord of the Ma.nor, who died in 1963, and who served for twenty years as a distinguished President of our Society. There are descriptions of the fittings including the bells, one of which was cast by Stephen Norton, of Maidstone, about 1380. The Communion cup of 1554-5 is remarkable as having been made in the reign of Mary Tudor although its shape is that favoured for use in the Reformed rite. The booklet concludes with some notes on the registers, the living, and a list of rectors since 1286. P. J. TESTER Vera Evison, H. Hodges and J. G. Hurst (Eds.), Medieval Pottery from Excavations. 81 x5! in. Pp. 262, frontispiece+l3 pls. and 66 figs. John Baker (Publishers) Ltd., London, 1974. £4.50. This collection of essays is a Festschrift volume presented to Dr. G. C. Dunning, by several of his collea,gues from this country and abroad, as a mark of their appreciation for his 'encouragement and guidance' (p. 11). Apart from a bibliography of Dr. Dunning's published works, it also contains notes (pp. 12-15) on his archaeological career, which stand witness to his remarkably wide interests. The first section of this book deals with some technical aspects of medieval pottery and contains papers on the medieval potter, medieval pottery kilns and observations on Eraclius' treatise De coloribus et artibus Romanorum; it is followed by another section dealing with the Saxon period, with papers on the Asthall type of bottle, pottery in Somerset, late-Saxon stamped pottery and Winchester ware. A concluding section is concerned with later periods and includes essays on the blackwares of northern France, Siegburg and Saintonge pottery. The volume is illustrated by many most informative text-figures and plates; the latter, no doubt for economy's sake, are assembled at the back of the book, which is not the easiest way for quick reference. This is a book primarily for the specialist; however, it will certainly be of great help to those with only a sketchy knowledge of the subjects discussed in it and, as such, it is a most welcome addition to the growing number of archaeological manuals. A. P. DETSIOA.S 217 REVIEWS The Archaeology of London. By Ralph Merrifield. 8½ x 6¾ in. Pp. 96, figs. 46. Heinemann Educational Books, London, 1975. £2.50. This is one of the 'Regional .Archaeologies' series and may well be considered to have achieved its publishers' aim of providing an 'introduction to the archaeology of the London Region' very adequately indeed. Mr. Merrifield traces the history of the area chronologically from the Palaeolithic to the post-Roman Dark Ages, the text is clearly written and the accompanying illustrations, both drawings and photographs, are well chosen and well produced. There is also a descriptive guide to the many sites that repay visiting in the London area. If one had to single out any one part of the book for comment, the final section on the transition from Roman to Anglo-Saxon London is of particular interest, a.hove all the tantalizing evidence of the Billingsgate house. This book can be recommended without reservation both to the archaeological beginner and to the general reader in search of an introduction to a fascinating subject. A. C. HARRISON Rescue Archaeo"logy. Edited by Philip A. Rahtz. 8 x 5 in. Pp. 299, 34 plates. Penguin Books Ltd. Harmondsworth. 1974. 90p. This book reminds one of the legendary definition of a camel as 'a horse designed by a committee'. It consists of twenty essays by different hands and, perhaps inevitably, of very unequal value. The best-and here one should mention Philip Barker, Brian Philp, Peter Fowler, Iain Crawford and Robert Kiln honoris causa-are good, clear and concise accounts of the various aspects dealt with by the authors; the worst (no names, no pack-drill!), are woolly, full of obscure jargon and of very little relevance to the subject. It is hard not to feel that the book would have presented a more effective and coherent picture if it had had a single author. As it is, and although it does contain much interesting material, it is difficult to see at what readership it is aimed. If, as one supposes, it is meant to 'sell' Rescue Archaeology to the uncommitted layman, then a different format and a simpler approach would have had much more impact. If, on the other hand, it is directed towards existing archaeologists, then too much space has been taken up with matters of which we are all too well a.ware. A. C. H.A.nmsON Mediaeval Fwor Tiles. By Jane A. Wight. 9½ in. X 6; in. Pp. 179, 4 colour plates, 4 monochrome photographs and 45 line drawings. John Baker, London, 1975. £6.50. This is a welcome book on a neglected subject. It is claimed to 1!6 the first genera.I treatment of English medieval tiles since Henry Sha.w 8 218 REVIEWS Specimens of Tile Pavement.s in 1858, and it is hoped that it ·will promote a closer interest on the part of antiquaries, architects and ecclesiastical authorities in these often disregarded and ill-treated features surviving in many of our ancient churches. The author deals with the historical and technical development of decorative tiles, including a chapter on Cistercian and other tile-mosaic-interesting to Kentish antiquaries in view of the recognition of the use of this distinctive form of pavement at several places in our county, although the book does not make any reference to the fact. One important aspect of tht. subject treated here is the revival of tile-making in the nineteenth century, not all of it as bad as some would have u􀃡 believe, the tiles being copied in certain cases from actual patterns remaining in a church when Victorian restoration 'made all things new'. There is scope for investigation here, as documentary records of past restorations might shed light on whether existing 'encaustics' (to use a now out-dated term) were copied from worn and discarded originals. In fact, the whole subject of floor tiles deserves urgent attention as they are always at risk and there is need for detailed recording. It is, therefore, reassuring to read in the introduction to the short gazetteer that illustrated lists of the surviving decorated tiles, set out by county, will eventually be available through the auspices of the British Academy and the Society of Antiquaries, the census having been initiated by Dr. A. B. Em.den and organized by Mrs. E. S. Eames. The line illustrations are bold and useful for identification, while the four colour plates were well worth the additional cost of production. But the monochrome photograph of the tile-mosaic pavement in the south transept of Byland Abbey is too dark and indistinct to be of much value and the subject fully merited a colour plate of its own. In the short gazetteer the only places listed in Kent are Bekersden [sic), Brook, Canterbury Cathedral, Harbledon [sic) and Stone. Why, one asks, were these singled out for mention from among all the Kentish churches where ancient tiles remain 1 Perhaps this is partly attributable to the paucity of published material in our county, as anyone who tries to look up 'Tiles' in the three index volumes of Arch. Gant. will readily discover. P. J. TESTER K.. J. Barton, Pottery in England from 3500 BO-AD 1730. 8½ x5} in. Pp. 150, 12 pls. and 15 figs. David & Charles, London, 1975. £4.75. Archaeological publishing is currently in vogue, and the present volume has appeared in response, presumably, to the need for an introductory book to the immense subject with which it attempts to deal; the author has indeed set himself a mammoth task! For to attempt 219 18 REVIEWS to cover within fewer than 150 pages (much space is taken by a biliography, a glossary and an index, which are welcome) the whole range of pottery produced in this country over a period of some 5250 years cannot achieve more than to touch lightly upon the subject. After an introduction, a first chapter covers the technical development of pottery, its decoration and glazing, kilns and the economy of pottery manufacture, all in some 30 pages; the remainder of this little book, some 82 pages, including text-figures, surveys the whole range of the ceramic development, from the Neolithic period to post-medieval times: it is little wonder that Mr. Barton.'s survey lacks breadth and depth! However, it will undoubtedly be of much use to readers beginning to acquire a general interest in pottery; for it contains much useful information, conveniently assembled and conveyed in a rather discursive style. [f this book were to lead to the more specialized studies 1isted in the bibliography, Mr. Barton should be well satisfied with his labours. Better proof-reading would have spared us such engaging printer's errors as Brit.annia! [sic] and the mis-spelling of its editor's name (p. 139). Even allowing for inflation, this volume is rather highly priced. A. P. DE'rsrc.As Fordwiclir-The Lost Port. Edited by K. H. McIntosh. 9¼ in. x 6 in. Pp. 240. Numerous line drawings and photographs. 1975. N.p. This is a companion to Sflurry-The Ohanging Scene, reviewed in Arch. Cant., lxxxviii (1973), 233, and the pages are numbered in continuation with those of the previous publication. It maintains the same high standard, and the fact that it includes contributions by such writers as our Members Miss A. Roper, Messrs. F. Jenkins, K. W. E. Gravett, H. A. James, S. E. Rigold, R. J. Spain and Dr. W. G. Urryamong other experts in their respective fields-is sufficient recommendation of the book as a serious and valuable contribution to the history of this corner of the county. The pen sketches by Roger Higham are delightful and the other illustrations, including plans and maps, are clearly reproduced. Subjects range from a discussion of the age of the Fordwich hand-axes to the activities of the local Home Guard in World War II. This book is an example of what can be done when a body of specialists, under competent editorial guidance, undertake to examine and describe the various aspects of a locality. It is a pattern that could well be followed elsewhere. Copies a.re obtainable from the Editor at 'Invergordon', Sturry, Canterbury. P. J. TESTER 220 REVIEWS Barbara Bender, Farming in Prehiswry. 9¼ x6¼ in. Pp. xi+268, 5 pls. and 36 figs. John Baker (Publishers) Ltd., London, 1975. Paperbound. £5.50. In her preface, Dr. Bender 'readily admit(s) that this book is mainly a synthesis' and that she has 'tried to bring together a wide range of information and to look at it critically'; but this scholarly volume is much more than it is claimed to be. For not only does it re-appraise a very great range of information, but also fills a gap in a field, early food production, which tends only too often to be relegated to specialist contributions in archaeological reports: we ought to be grateful to Dr. Bender for reminding us that it is 'the concern' of the archaeologists to 'understand and co-ordinate all the different types of evidence' (p. ix). This book ranges from an introductory section dealing with the transition from food-gathering to food-producing, to theoretical approaches such, inter alia, as the importance of the archaeological evidence, to the recognition of domestication and the influence of climat.e, to plants and animals which can pot.entially be domestioat.ed. Dr. Bender's study is concerned with most of the archaeological world and she draws upon the evidence found in distant lands, which can have a bearing on the understanding of food-production in prehistoric times much nearer home. The whole study is stamped as a labour of love, witness its copious bibliography, and deserves to stand alongside Childe's Dawn of Civilisation on any archaeological bookshelf. A. P. DETSICAS Leslie Grinsell, Philip Rahtz and David Price Williams, The Publication of archaeological Reports. 9§-X7¼ in. Pp. 105, 16 figs. John Baker Publishers Ltd., London, 1974. £2.75. The material forming this very useful volume was first published in duplicated form some twelve years ago by the Bristol Archaeological Research Group and printed in 1966. A second edition has now appeared and its 'scope . . . has been slightly extended to meet at least some of the needs of this wider range of coming arohaeologists' (p. 7). The authors make it clear, in the preface to this edition, that the intention of this slim book is to be a guide (my italics), not a straitjacket; this is well worth stressing in fairness both to the authors and to their readers. For, though undoubtedly much of its cont.ent is a matter of common ground for the experienced author of archaeological reports able to adopt, adapt or reject the authors' personal predilections, it must be observed that not a.ll their recommendations can be generally accepted-certainly not to all editors of archaeological journals having to cope with house style, etc. (Archaeol. Oantiana is 221 REVIEWS not an abbreviation for Arch. Gant., pace the Harvard system of referencing and the OBA!) Again in fairness, to aim at a general acceptance would risk an unwelcome degree of standardization at the expense of 'individuality or even originality' (p. 7), which the authors are at pains to disclaim as their own purpose. There is no short-cut to this book: it must be read, for it is a veritable mine of information such as was not available a few years ago. In this volume will be found much that many authors of archaeological reports have learnt by the time-hallowed, and time-wasting, method of trial-and-error, much that its adoption will endear Messrs. Grinsell, Rahtz and Price Williams to many editors; and to choose any isolated topic dealt with in this book for particular mention would deny it and an archaeological report their composite nature. In the final resort, the compilation and presentation of the evidence, quite apart from its interpretation, reflect the archaeological competence of their author; if this work destroys an author's alibi of ignorance, it is to be hoped that it will spur him or her to do the just-ice to their site that moral obligation and the needs of scholarship demand. Attractively printed by letterpress, with wide margin for idiosyncratic annotations, I most heartily recommend this modestlypriced book to all our future contributors. A. p. DETSIOAS ;' Bexley Village. By P. J. Tester. 8½ x 5¾ in., Pp. 20, 4 pls., 1 fig. London Borough of Bexley, 1975. No price. This guide-book by eur member, Mr. P. J. Tester, is a short history of Bexley, the village now engulfed in the amorphous London conurbation, and a model of its kind. Mr. Tester sketches the history of Bexley from prehistoric to modern times and mentions the evidence of its past both as recorded in the pages of Arch. Gant., for which the author is mainly responsible, and a.sit can still be observed in surviving buildings, etc. Mr. Tester is to be warmly congratulated for this record. This booklet is well produced and illustrated, and thanks are due to the London Borough of Bexley for its publication; it is an example well worth following by other local authorities, though it is doubtful whether other localities can have the good fortune to count among their residents an author of Mr. Tester's scholarship. A. P. DETSIOAS The Bewl Valley Ironworks, Kent, c. 1300-1730. By David Crossley. 7f x9i in. Pp. ix+98, 45 figs., 16 pls. The Royal Archaeological Institute, London, 1975. (£5.00). This slim volume is published as a monograph of the Royal Archaeological Institute and deals with the excavations recently undertaken 222 REVIEWS in Chingley Wood, near Lamberhurst, in advance of the construction of a. reservoir dam, and both the author and the Institute are to be congratulated for the speedy compilation of the report and its publication, respectively. Apart from a consideration of the documentary evidence for the site, this excavation report deals with the field work at the site and contains, in several appendices, detailed reports on the finds; it is profusely illustrated with text.figures and monochrome plates, which may account, in part at least, for its high price for a paper-bound volume, even in these days of high printing costs. However, it is a very well produced publication, and archaeology in the County owes a debt to Mr. Crossley for the excavation and recording of the site before its submersion as well as for setting a standard for other excavators. A. P. DETSIO.AS 223