Horváth Attila szerk.: Cumania 7. Archeologia (Bács-Kiskun Megyei Múzeumok Közleményei, Kecskemét, 1982)

Gajdócsi I.: Előszó

formation of the farmstead system, the tradition of grapevine cultivation and folklore, the volume extensively deals with settlement history. It is good to know and say that the volumes of CUMANIA are to be found and read in all significant libraries and research centers of the county as well as in those of the whole country. Its reprints are equally available for professional and amateur research workers. In addition to this CUMANIA is getting farther and farther in the world each year. It serves as a source discussing the history and people who inhabited or crossed the area between the Danube and Tisza rivers. As such it is needed by social scientists in an increasing number of countries. Aside from the interest shown by the universities and museums of the European countries there is a demand for these volumes in other continents as America, Australia and Japan in Asia. Depending on the contents and area of circulation, CUMANIA is available for the researchers of almost 250 institutions in 40 countries. The number of volumes exchanged exceeds 350, not including pamphlets and leaflets of smaller format. These foreign publications provide at least a partial review of tendencies, methodologies and problems of research in numerous parts of the world and are sources which could not find their way in our library in any other way. This exchange of literature is of particular use for the increased research staff of the county as well. It contributes to a wider perspective and professional training as well as provides a background for international comparisons. A separate study could be compiled describing the composition, commitment, cooperation and style of these researchers united into one workshop. Apparently, a dozen of independent researchers and social scientists from the research centers of the Great Hungarian Plain, county and national museums, institutes of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Universities aligned, inspired by the series. The latter authors had an unquestionable role and effect on the level of professional respect of the volumes. As a consequence of this, the volumes of archaeology, ethnography and modern history have grown far beyond the task of publishing only post14