Welsh Journals

The work is divided almost evenly into two distinct parts. The first half explores, in six sections, the character, locations, rise and decline of the fifteen potteries Mr. Lewis has identified in the Ewenny region. The second part, perhaps of greater interest to the art historian and antique collector, consists of a well illustrated catalogue, chiefly of collectable pieces in museums and private assemblages. Archaeologists would dearly love to prove a medieval origin for this industry. The author sympathizes, but on present evidence he is restricted to tracing developments from the eighteenth century. During the early-nineteenth century production increased rapidly in direct response to a regional population boom, itself encouraged by the expansion of the coal and iron industries. Nonetheless, the character of the potteries did not change. The families involved remained as much farmers as potters, and perhaps no more than seven concerns were ever open at the same time. Decline was brought about by the growing popularity of white earthenware, or 'china'. This trend was halted around the turn of the century by interest in country potteries inspired by the Arts and Crafts movement. However, the decline continued after the Great War. The section based on the recollections of two surviving sons of the traditional industry is of great interest, and the discussion on the topography of the pottery sites raises important points. In the similarities suggested between the form of Ewenny kilns and early examples found at Swansea, together with the catalogue -largely kiln wasters-of coarse wares, Mr. Lewis has provided the archaeologist with much food for thought. The book is produced to highest Museum standards with few errors, apart from Section 6 numbered as 5 and several cross-references overlooked in the catalogue. Unfortunately, even at current prices, for a work that should be reasonably well known, the cost for a slim card-covered volume may exclude all but the converted pottery student. DAVID M. ROBINSON Cambridge SOURCES FOR ENGLISH LOCAL HISTORY. By W. B. Stephens. 2nd Edition, Cambridge University Press, 1981 (The Sources of History: Studies in the Uses of Historiographical Evidence, ed. G. R. Elton). Pp. xvi, 342. £ 25.00 hard cover; £ 8.95 paperback. When Dr. Stephens published the first edition of this work in 1973 it was hailed as an indispensable tool both for local historians and for national historians pursuing local sources. Its re-appearance in a series of studies on international sources is a proper recognition both of the value of the subject and of the almost encyclopaedic character of Dr. Stephens's work. The changes made for the second edition have been significant. The whole text