Abstract
LOCAL archaeologies and local histories have a useful function which is seldom fulfilled satisfactorily. To write them successfully requires a nice perception of the balance between the foreground of local interest and the background of the general trend of history or cultural development. Of the importance of the detailed record of local finds there can, however, be no two opinions. The studies of East Anglian archaeology which we owe to Sir Cyril Fox have demonstrated the almost kaleidoscopic changes in the generalised picture as the records of local finds are brought more and more into focus. An excellent example of a method of treatment of local antiquities, which may be followed to advantage, is afforded by “The Archaeology of Rochford Hundred and South-East Essex” by Mr. William Pollitt (Southend-on-Sea Museum, Handbook No. 7, pp. 59 with 22 plates, 6c?.), in which the author follows up a survey of the archaeology of the district from pre-palaeolithic down to and including Saxon times with a detailed list of the ‘finds' in the area, classified according to period and arranged under parishes, the present location of each specimen being noted where known. The distinction to be drawn between south-east Essex and the central and north-western areas of the county on geographical lines is no less apparent in its archaeology. For this reason, if for no other, the general background becomes of no little importance for the appreciation of the significance of the finds. Here, it will be found, fully adequate provision has been made for the needs of those who will use the handbook. A map, or series of maps, showing the localities in which the antiquities were found, would have been a useful addition to the ample and excellent illustrations.
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Archæology in South-East Essex. Nature 136, 906 (1935). https://doi.org/10.1038/136906b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/136906b0