MICHAEL WILLIAMS: DRAINING of SOMERSET LEVELS/PHOTOGRAPHS/MAPS/1970 1st - $348 - (Harpers Ferry, WV)
THE DRAINING OF THE SOMERSET LEVELS. BY MICHAEL WILLIAMS. Cambridge, England : At The University Press, 1970. First Edition. Scarce. A solid and attractive scarce book. Published more than 45 years ago, this edition is now long out of print and hard to find. From the dustjacket: "This is a detailed study of who the Somerset Levels, originally a large tract of marsh, were drained and reclaimed to become one of the most agriculturally productive areas of South-West England. The story of the draining of this region brings to light significant comparisons and contrasts with other reclaimed lowlands and extends our knowledge of one of the processes by which the British landscape has changed. Dr. Williams discusses the general context of draining and reclamation in Britain and the geological, climatic and tidal factors which produce the problem of flooding in the Levels. He then describes the traditional economy of the Levels and the subsequent changes that occurred with draining from the twelfth century up to the present day. In his discussion of drainage from the seventeenth century to the early twentieth century, he analyses the alternating periods of set-backs and progress, culminating in the agricultural rEvolution with its attendant changes in techniques and methods of draining and farming. The period of most extensive activity began with the Second World War when new needs, new equipment and adequate funds were provided.This is an important book which brings together information on an area that has until now received very little attention; it also shows just who early massive reclamation began. It will be of interest to both geographers and historians." --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Octavo - sized hardcover book with dust jacket; 288 pages of text with many photographs and maps. Very Good+ condition: no torn or missing pages; no writing or markings in the text; minor pricing sticker on ffep, but no …
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