1920s Caving Books

ZombieCake

Well-known member
Hello,
Does anyone know of caving or caving related books published in the 1920s, or just before?  It doesn't appear quite as straightforwards as I thought.  Country of origin doesn't matter.  For example, the likes of Norbert Casteret were indeed active in the 1920s but 'Dix Ans Sous Terre' didn't come out until 1933.  I know Martel published a few things earlier around the turn of the century etc. but I'm not sure of English versions.  There's also the rather famous at the time Floyd Collins incident of 1925, but that seems mainly chronicled in newspapers.  Of course I could have missed something there, and there are a few modern books on the subject.
I've found a few references in National Geographics of 1924 and 25 relating to Casteret's adventures and also Carlsbad Caverns.  Just need to track down copies that aren't outrageously expensive.  I've a few Victorian books, however, they are more grand tour adventure related as it were.  Maybe there just wasn't a 'Mendip Underground' or similar of the time. Maybe just fragmented pamphlets, or just adventure books or magazines.
Any pointers or thoughts welcome.
 

ZombieCake

Well-known member
Thanks, I have a 1930s HMV wind up clockwork 78rpm portable 'iPod' with assorted needles (loud, soft, etc.) so must track down a copy if one still exists.

EDIT 23:22 on 09/04/19: Found a copy of the record in Poland. Wonder what the B-side is like?!?
 

mikem

Well-known member
MCRA Biblio lists another of Balch's books on wookey, plus one by Martell on underground waters (in French). Otherwise it's UBSS proceedings & MNRC reports amongst newspapers, tourist brochures, engineering articles, geological & archaeological.

Several caving libraries have published catalogues.

Mike
 

yrammy

Member
I have a list of all pre 1930 book holdings at the British Caving Library. There might be something in there that you would be interested in. Email me on bcra-librarian@bcra.org.uk  if you want a copy. I cant add and xls file to this post.
Mary
 

Leclused

Active member
A monument (for Belgium) is the VMR - 'Les Cavernes et Rivi?res souterraines de la Belgique".

Published in 1910 and consists of two books.

Some background

http://www.karstworlds.com/2010/12/journees-2010-de-speleologie.html


 

Pitlamp

Well-known member
A good one (for Peak District lovers) is Ernest Baker's "Moors, Crags and Caves" (1903).

Didn't Royce publish something about the Castleton caves? (But I can't remember whether that fits your time frame.)
 

mikem

Well-known member
Royse did a geology book about Castleton pre WW1 & another more specifically on the caves during WW2.
 

north doodle

New member
What about these--

The Netherworld of Mendip by E.A.Baker & H.E.Balch 1907

A Man Deep in Mendip- The Caving Diaries of Harry Savory 1910 - 1921

Wookey Hole. Its Cave & Cave Dwellers by H.E.Balch  1914

Notes on the Barrows & Bone Caves of Derbyshire with an account of a descent into Eldon Hole by R.Pennington 1877

Cave Hunting by William Boyd Dawkins 1874

Pen Park Hole by Catcott 1792

Rambles in Mammoth Cave during 1844. published 1845

A Tour of the Caves in the Environs of Ingleborough & Settle by John Hutton 1781


Delineations of The NW Division of the County of Somerset and of The Mendip Caverns by John Rutter 1829



These are just a few of caving books on sale now.Check out Abebooks.co.uk & Ambrabooks of Bristol you will find lots more. Some are very expensive!!! Some do have facsimle edition which are much cheaper.


Good Hunting :)
 

ZombieCake

Well-known member
Thanks for the info so far.  I ought to have looked at my shelf of Mendip books as some of the publications were hiding in plain sight  o_O so I've awarded myself a coupe of idiot points!  Some more rummaging to do, and the library list is most helpful.
 

ZombieCake

Well-known member
Tracked down a few more books plus have a couple of Louise Brooks silent films to watch.  20's national Geographics  a bit elusive though.
 
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