BCRA Cave Studies Booklets

• The most recent issue to be published in this series was #18
• Database last updated on Tue, 14 Apr 2009 12:02:24 +0000

Number 18

Eli Simpson and the BSA
by David JUDSON

JUDSON, David (2009). Eli Simpson and the BSA [Cave Studies Series 18]. Buxton: British Cave Research Association. £5.50 plus postage. ISBN 0-900265-34-5. 64pp, A4, 95 photos and illustrations, index.

An account of the speleo-collector 'par excellence', Eli Simpson 'Cymmie' (1884-1962), and the British Speleological Association (1935-1973) as rediscovered from BCRA's Archives

BCRA's Simpson Archive is a unique collection of speleological records, the greater part of which is currently of material collected and organised by Eli Simpson himself. It covers the period from 1900 to 1960, but it includes transcripts and references going as far back as the mid-17th century. It has also been added to by others, in the same style, up to about 1970. Its main coverage is Yorkshire (about 60% of the material) with other material from Derbyshire and Mendip, and a small amount covering other UK caving areas, as well as Ireland and abroad.
The author and compilier of this material, David Judson, knew Cymmie over the last few years of his life and this gave him what is now, in 2008, a rare insight into this somewhat unusual man. Cymmie was an old man when the author knew him, but he was still full of life and was still fired by the twin urges of pure curiosity (i.e. the desire to find new cave), and the need to collect related papers. This very large 'jigsaw' was all in his head and, sadly, he never produced a written catalogue.
In this addition to BCRA's Cave Studies Series, the author's approach has been less to do with the scientific parts of the jigsaw and more to do with the human ones; the history of contributions to the science of speleology. The author considers that this demonstrates an intricate web of human interaction and a complex and fascinating one to unravel

The aim of BCRA's Cave Studies Series is to provide an introductory text aimed at the sport caver who has become interested in some other aspect of speleology. The series editor (see Contacting Us) is always willing to consider possible new titles to add to the series, and to discuss details with potential authors.

Most booklets are currently priced at £4.50 each, although #18 is £5.50 and the earlier issues (numbers 3, 5 and 7-14) are available at a discount price of £3.50. (Spring 2009 prices). Postage is £0.50 to UK and £1.00 for overseas overseas orders). See BCRA Publications Sales for further information and a link to the Ordering pages.