Bodies and souls: psycho-geographical collisions in the South Wales coalfield, 1926-1939

The study of our region is not merely a study of scenery and climate, veget ation and animal life, it may, and must increasingly include a study of our selves. And this study, while it will deal with our houses, roads and build ings, may well also include a survey of ourselves, body and souls! H. J. Fleure, Regional Surveys and Welfare, 1929 From these deep valleys may flow redeeming waters that can save society, or a flood of hate and class antagonism that may swamp our national life. But nothing else than a gospel that embraces the needs of body and soul, and s ynthesizes the redemption of the individual and society can release the for mer and save us from the latter. Reginald J. Barker, Christ in the Valley of Unemployment, 1936 Why should I go to Viola Chastri's Distressed Area; did she come to my Mode l Madhouse? Mrs Stitch in Evelyn Waugh's Scoop, 1938 (C) 2001 Academic Press.