S. W. Wooldridge (1900–1963)

Here is the development of one area of England, the Weald of Kent and Sussex, from the earliest geological times to the latest land use changes at the date of publication (1953). The first part of the book is devoted to a detailed study of how the land came to be in its present form. This is followed by chapters on the flora and fauna, archaeology, the development of settlements and agriculture, and the growth of towns, roads and industries. Each chapter is detailed and comprehensive, and the breif section on Tudor iron-working makes one want to learn more about this neglected period in the birth of the Industrial Revolution.

No-one could claim this is a jolly romp. The early sections on the shaping of the Wealden geology and morphology are demanding, and much of the detail is in places unavoidably dull. However the authors do their best to make this vast study readable and the style is lucid and without unnecessary jargon. There are clear maps and diagrams, and plenty of photographs which, in themselves useful, are also at times charming for their glimpses into familar scenes, from unfamilar angles, over 50 years ago.

Anyone living in the area, with an interest in the geography of their home patch, will forgive the detail for the enormous amount of insight gained. A knowledge of geographical terms is not essential but will make the going easier.

There are several technical appendices and an extensive, though necessarily dated, bibliography. Particularly charming is Appendix B, which starts "Since this book first appeared, important new work on the Piltdown remains has been done." - a reminder that some of the conclusions may have been superceded since the original publication.… (más)