Welsh Journals

the whole of his academic life in exile. As with all his other varied ventures, the studies devoted to Welsh history (not least of all the many review articles), though normally small in compass, are based on so meticulous and penetrating an examination of fundamental problems that entirely new vistas are opened up and illuminated by his magic touch. This work is indeed a worthy tribute from a wide circle of admirers including, apart from those who have participated directly in producing it, several generations of students who have derived inspiration from Sir Goronwy's labours. Among those who have assisted Dr. Fryde in the task of transcribing and editing were J. Beverley Smith, John le Patourel, and R. F. Walker. Dr. Walker has also contributed to the Introduction a new summary of Edward's campaign in which the evidence of the Book of Prests is used with telling effect. It is, however, doubtful if Bere was relieved by Arundel in the late autumn of 1294. The Book of Prests itself reveals such intense activity in the neighbourhood of the castle during the early summer of the following year that one is inclined towards E. A. Lewis's belief that this event occurred about the middle of May 1295. It should perhaps be added that, in addition to those already mentioned, there are three other useful appendices including Edward's itinerary during the period covered by the Book of Prests. A page of the book is reproduced in facsimile together with a portrait of Sir Goronwy Edwards in characteristic pose. Aberystwyth. T. JONES PIERCE. THE MARCHER Lordships OF SOUTH WALES 1415-1536: SELECT DOCUMENTS. Edited with Introduction by T. B. Pugh. University of Wales Press, Cardiff, 1963. Pp. 326. 45s. Would-be students of the subject who have consulted the Bibliography of Welsh History, even in its revised edition, are likely to have been surprised and dismayed by the paucity of literature available on the history of the Marcher Lordships. For this reason, as well as because of its inherent interest and merits, Mr. T. B. Pugh's book is most welcome. It is not, of course, a full-blown study of the history of the Marcher Lordships even of south Wales perhaps that eminently desirable work will remain for ever elusive, because of the lack of adequate materials and the great complexity of the theme. But it is a formidable contribution, meticulous in scholarship, and makes available documents and commentaries indispensable to future work in this field. The book is divided into three distinct parts. Part I is devoted to 'The Great Sessions in the Welsh Marcher Lordships in the later Middle Ages', and prints four Assize Rolls and three other documents. Part II comprises 'Financial Records of the Lordship of Newport', and prints twelve ministers' and