John Carswell Knihy

This fascinating introduction tells the story of Iznik ceramics through a wealth of illustrations

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Lebanese Civil War in 1974, this narrative follows John Carswell, a ceramics expert, and his family on a remarkable journey in their cherished Morgan 4/4, 'Speedy.' Aiming to uncover Chinese blue and white pottery in the Maldives, their expedition takes them through Syria, Jordan, and India, showcasing the trials faced by a family amidst regional upheaval. With humor and insight, Carswell recounts their adventures and the enduring bond with their beloved car, offering a vivid portrayal of a changing Middle East.

Focusing on the transformative period from 1688 to 1776, this book explores the evolution of England, Scotland, and Wales during pivotal revolutions. It highlights how the Glorious Revolution marked the beginning of modern Britain, transitioning from a peripheral role in Europe to a dominant global influence. The narrative delves into the political, social, and cultural changes that laid the groundwork for Britain's emergence as a significant power on the world stage.

This book comprises John Carswell´s three diaries about his excavations in Mantai, Sri Lanka, in the years 1980, 1982 and 1984, which came to a tragic end with the progress of the the civil war that started in 1983. As a day by day record, the diaries contain the details of the persons involved and their interaction with each other, the financing of the excavations, and even what was eaten – (rice and curry) and drunk (for instance Scotch, arak and beer) and under what circumstances.

John Carswell studied at the RCA in London, and worked as draftsman for Kathleen Kenyon at Jericho. He taught fine art at the AUB, then became Curator of the ORINST Museum, and Director, DAS Museum at the University of Chicago, Director of the Islamic Department at Sotheby’s, and now Professorial Associate at SOAS. He writes extensively on Turkish and Islamic pottery, Chinese porcelain, and Islamic art and architecture. Siran Deraniyagala, distinguished archaeologist and prehistorian, studied at Cambridge and Harvard, and excavated throughout Sri Lanka. As Director-General of the Archaeological Survey in Sri Lanka, he formulated the rules governing any future excavation. His seminal publication is The Prehistory of Sri Lanka: An Ecological Perspective, 1992. Alan Graham, a graduate of the Institute of Archaeology, London, has been active in field archaeology since 1970. Living in South West England he has excavated and published numerous sites from Neolithic henge, Iron Age hillfort, Romano-British and medieval town to 17th century bronze cauldron foundry. Internationally he has worked around the Mediterranean, in Afghanistan and Sri Lanka