Spelaeodes

Its out at last!!!

THE LONG AWAITED Part 1 of ‘Alfies’ S)P)E)L)A)E)O)D)E)S) with cartoons by ‘Jok’ Orr.

4/-  + 9d.  p &  p.

includes the tales of: -

Freddy Fry who attempts to dry out Stoke Lane

Kenneth Lyle and his Caving Machine

Sammy Smayle and his cider drinking exploits.

Limited edition so order as soon as possible and make sure of your copy.

PART TWO expected early 1970 and includes tales of Walter Wade; Gilbert Grough; Gordon Gripe and Jimmy Truckles. Place your order now. More details on the January issue of the B.B

Caving Reports

No.13. Part A.  St. Cuthbert’s Swallet (a B.E.C. best seller).

“Discovery Exploration”  photographs and 38 pages of text.  Price 6/-. (only a few left - and that’s a fact!).

No.13. Part F.  St. Cuthbert’s Swallet – Gour Hall area.

Complete description and survey.  Photos and survey notes.  PRICE 3/-.

No.13. Part E.  St. Cuthbert’s Swallet – Rabbit Warren.

Complete description and survey.  Photos and survey notes.  PRICE 5/-. (Published mid-January 1970).

Further details of new Caving Reports in next issue of B.B.

Caving Reports and Belfry Bulletins available from Bryan Ellis, Knockauns, Combwich, Bridgwater, Somerset OR Dave Irwin, 23 Camden Road, Bristol 3.

Cavers Bookshelf

by ‘Kangy’

“From Sea to Ocean”, by J.M. Scott published by Bles at 30/-.

I bought this book, just after publication this year, before my holidays.  It describes walking along the Pyrenees and that was were I went.

I fact it wasn’t much use as a guide and I don’t recommend anyone buying it for that purpose.  It was however of great use as a piece of inspiration and have read and reread it before and after visiting some of the places the author describes.  It is not a profound book, the author’s mountaineering limitations prevent this, but a humorous and sympathetic book.  A book which makes it easy to go and see and appreciate.

“ Palaeolithic Cave Art” by Peter J. Ucks and Andrew Rosenfeld (of University College London and the British Museum). Published by World University Library in paperback for 14/-

My immediate impression, substantiated in practice was a fatiguing layout.  The figures and illustrations are all over the place giving the book an attractive appearance and inviting browsing.  In fact browsing is hindered and understanding limited because the figures are neither in one place for ease of reference nor next to the relevant text.  This is serious because frequent reference is made to the figures.  In addition the book is difficult to use because of the method of binding.  It will not stay open.  Reading is a fight.  The index does not help.  A larger format would help to display the many beautiful illustrations to better effect.  Better binding and a larger format would make a book costing many times more but it would be well worth while for, in spite of my strictures, the book is remarkable value for money.

Previous books I have read on the subject have been full of naïve wonder and far fetched speculation. Ucks and Rosenfeld have read all these and more and after clear analysis makes common sense of the whole thing, presenting what seems to be all the available evidence and pointing to a conclusion in a very reasonable way.

They are constructive in their criticism and indicate many possible lines of research.  For example, they draw attention to the need for exploration of known important sites.  Scarcely any accurate surveys exist!  The necessity for surveys is made obvious in the text.

They are rightly cautious on the use of ethnographic parallels.  After reading “The Naked Ape” I’m influenced enough to be even more cautious about drawing conclusions from ‘primitive’ peoples but their conclusions are fair.

Perseverance with this book is easy in spite of the obstacles caused by the production of this book.  The contents are excellent.

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