Caves & Cavings (Hamlyn Books)

Ian Adams

Active member
Caves and Caving (1966) by Hamlyn Books

A fascinating look at how caving was done in the 1960?s. Basic education includes how to use a carbide lamp. How helmets are essential for ?longer? trips, how to use a load bearing belt/life line and, don?t forget a notebook and two pencils.

There are (thankfully) some details of the dangers in caves; the main one being underground rivers. The advice given is, simply, not to enter them (underground rivers).

Interestingly, there is detail on (for instance) ?What actually is a cave??  The explanation is thorough and illuminating in that it attaches a large amount of peripheral information. The numerous diagrams help the understanding to sink in (pardon the pun).

Additionally, there is a whole section on the microflora and fauna of caves. There is also a nice tip on how to catch cave dwellers by sucking them up a tube (and a diagram to show you how to suck it). I have to confess I haven?t seen that before in this kind of book.

Lastly, there is a somewhat dated section on caving activities (and where to go). As much as the photography piece is exemplary, they missed a trick by not including video. After all, it was around in the 1960?s, right?

Not too shabby at all.

:)

Ian



 

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ZombieCake

Well-known member
missed a trick by not including video.
Back then it would have been Standard 8 film (also called Double 8), Super 8 came out same out in 1965.  Both film stocks are still available http://www.gaugefilm.co.uk/film.html  Had a go at the Wittnerchrome Super 8 a couple of years back, nice, but quite pricy to experiment with - need to edit it before releasing here.
It is a good book though.
 

mrodoc

Well-known member
The cover photo appears to be taken in Balch Cave in Fairy Cave Quarry and it has always intrigued me (as an ex member) that he has a Cerberus sticker on his helmet. Anybody know who it is?
 

yrammy

Member
Yes, an interesting little book that. We do have a copy in the library but ours is dated 1967.
Mary
 

Wren

New member
I have 2 copies; one 1967 and a 1969 reprint, there appear to be minor differences.
I particularly  like the advice on page 37.  Oh how times have changed!!!
 
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