[MR] New Book on Spanish Ceramics

[Garth Groff]

Noble Friends,

Just arrived at the UVA Fine Arts Library: LA CERAMICA MEDIEVAL DE LA 
BASILLICA DE SANTA MARIA DE ALICANTE by Jose Luis Menendez Fueyo (ISBN 
9781407309682; our call number NK4124 A43 M46 2012). Everytime we 
receive a new book on medieval archaeology, I get excited, and this book 
was very, very interesting. Prior to structural restorations on this 
ancient Spanish church, an  archaeological survey and recovery was 
conducted. Among the very interesting finds were a large number of 
ceramic trade jars stuffed into the area above the vaulted ceiling, with 
many still intact. In addition to the jars, there were bowls, mortars, 
cooking pots and other goods. The historical origins of these artifacts, 
particularly the jars, is explored in the text, and all are illustrated 
by photos and line drawings. In addition, there is a discussion of the 
makers' marks on the jars. The church itself is detailed in its own 
chapter, and is a fine example of a medieval basillica, complete with a 
barrel roof and some really beautiful stone carvings. The book is 
unfortunately (for me) written in Spanish, though there are English 
summaries of each chapter at the end. Naturally, there is also a 
bibliography, though no index. This would be an excellent research 
resource for anyone interest in medieval ceramics, or medieval Spain in 
general.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Shire of Isenfir's Unofficial Librarian
(aka Garth Groff, UVA Libraries, Cataloging & Metadata Dept.)