Welsh Journals

Hilary M. Thomas, Ystradowen: A Tale of Princes, Priests and People (Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Ystradowen, 1993, pp. 96, n.p.) is a little gem, a beautifully written, scholarly and sensitive portrayal of a Border Vale parish. We are presented with a 'total' history both in its chronological sweep-from the romantic folklore dating a settlement back to the beginning of the eleventh century right down to the present day-and in its coverage of human activities spanning the central and dominant role of the Church in the parish throughout the centuries, schooling, landownership (highlighting here the importance of Ash Hall and its resident family from the 1740s), the standard of living of the various occupational groups, the fortunes of the Welsh language and the lives of 'famous sons'. Hilary Thomas's skills as an archivist are put to telling use throughout, as in her examination of inventories of ordinary parishioners in order to point up the poverty of small farmers, craftsmen and labourers, her presentation and analysis of overseers' and churchwardens' accounts to illustrate the plight of the poor, the infirm and the aged, and her use of the pocket books of Rev. George Williams (curate there in 1763-86) to illuminate day-to-day life in the parish. The booklet is rendered all the more attractive by the author's inclusion of many illustrations, including old documents and photographs. This labour of love deserves a wide readership. DAVID W. HOWELL Swansea The 'Access to History' series, under the general editorship of Keith Randell and published by Hodder and Stoughton, is a series of lucid and readable introductions to major historical themes, aimed at the A-level student and first-year undergraduate but also appropriate for the general reader. Notable features are the 'study guides' and the extensive sections on further reading'. The following volumes have been recently published: Robert Pearce, Britain: Industrial Relations and the Economy, 1900- 1939 (1993), pp. 138, £ 4.99. Duncan Watts, Tories, Conservatives and Unionists, 1815-1914 (1994), pp. 162, £5.25. Katherine Brice, The Early Stuarts, 1603-40(1994), pp. 150. £ 5.25. Paul Adelman, Britain: Domestic Politics, 1939-64 (1994), pp. 134, £ 5.25.