Welcome to the literary section of the Wales United website.
Each month you will find details of the latest books that have been published about Wales or topics relating to Wales on the Welsh heritage and culture, together with a synopsis of each book.
62 pages, black and white photos, paperback, size 210mm x 147mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-857-8, published price £5.95, Wales United members price £5.95 plus postage and packaging £1.25 in the UK or £1.85 in Europe or £2.65 rest of the world.
This book documents the effects of great social changes on a small mining community in the Afan Valley, north of Port Talbot in south Wales in the early 19th century. It is a warm account of the struggle for education and decent living conditions, charting the reasons for its decline and eventual disappearance.
Nantybar reflects the huge social and technological changes in the 19th century, changing from a rural Welsh language village into an industrial hotbed. Everything that had been taken for granted for centuries was wiped out in a generation, and by the end of the century the mine and all the cottages in the village had been demolished.
This really is a remarkable story thanks to the obsession of the author, a local historian, to tracing the history of a lost village.
240 pages, black and white photos, paperback, size 182mm x 124mm, published by Gwasg Carreg Gwalch, ISBN 0-86381-977-X, published price £7.75, Wales United members price £6.95 plus postage and packaging £1.55 in the UK or £2.50 in Europe or £3.85 rest of the world.
The inspiration for this book came from a chance encounter in the 1970s by the author, a journalist and broadcaster, and Joe Clarke, a Mount Street Bridge veteran.
As the author states “One lesson learned was that I, a Welshman, am a member of a nation that treated the Irish just as harshly as did the British in general. We now pride ourselves as being proud fellow Celts. But some Welsh people were amongst the very worst pf those that sought to keep Ireland from freedom. Thankfully, there were other Welsh people, including many of the inhabitants of the Bala area, who treated the Irish internees and their ambitions with compassion and respect.”
For the first time we are able to examine the internment of almost 2,000 Irish political prisoners – from a Welsh as well as from an Irish perspective. One of the most readable of historical books.
78 pages, including black and white photos, paperback, size 184mm x 122mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-866-7, published price £3.95, Wales United members price £3.55 plus postage and packaging £1.25 in the UK or £1.85 in Europe or £2.45 rest of the world.
Have you ever considered why there are so many Joneses, Evans and Hughes in a Welsh telephone directory? This new book claims that changing traditional Welsh names to anglicised forms such as ‘Jones’ appeared to have started in the 16th century by a Welshman called Willa map John Thomas who moved from Wales to London.
According to the author, William ap John Thomas was a standard bearer in the court of Henry VIII but changed his name to William Jones and many believe he started a trend that became fashionable in Wales during the 17th and 18th centuries, when Dafydd became Davies and John became Jones.
Similarly, the traditional form of using ab or ap (like the Scottish and Irish ’mac’) largely disappeared in that period but are still seen in forms such as Price (derived from ap Rhys) and Bevan (from ab Ifan).
Claimed to give ‘the story of Britain’s oldest living language’ this book is about the history and development of the Welsh language and includes chapters on the Celtic languages and the Act of Union. A most enjoyable and educative read.
128 pages, Coloured photos, paperback, size 165mm x 115mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-902-7, published price £4.95, Wales United members price £4.45 plus postage and packaging £1.00 in the UK or £1.85 in Europe or £2.50 rest of the world.
Street Welsh is aimed at non Welsh- speakers who want to learn the basics of the language so that they can understand the Welsh around them and engage in simple conversations with Welsh speakers. All phrases are spelt phonetically so that users won’t have any excuses for blatantly wrong pronunciations.
This is one of the first Welsh guide books to be published in full colour and the book includes countless real life examples of Welsh being used in public places. It is also the first book that has a section on using the internet in Welsh.
96 pages, colour, paperback, size 185mm x 120mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-858-6, published price £6.95, Wales United members price £6.25 plus postage and packaging £1.00 in the UK or £1.85 in Europe or £2.50 rest of the world.
Sylvia Wenger Jones turned her back on her home country of America when she fell in love twice, when on a visit to north Wales: with the beauty of Wales, and with the Welshman, Peter, who showed her the best parts of his native land. The true life romance has now been published in an autobiographical book with the Dinas imprint called No, I Live Here.
Sylvia has succeeded in capturing the special qualities of Snowdonia and North Wales in her book which contains full colour images taken by her now husband, Peter Jones. Sylvia originally comes from Pensylvania but came to Conwy for a three month stay after her early retirement - but couln’t escape from her love for Wales and Peter – both now live together in Conwy.
262 pages, paperback, size 210mm x 145mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-868-3, published price £6.95, Wales United members price £6.25 plus postage and packaging £2.00 in the UK or £3.45 in Europe or £5.00 rest of the world.
The Rhondda Valley has seen terrible hardship and losses over the last century – but this new book gives an entirely different picture of the valley, concentrating on the strong community and the heroes supporting that community for so many years. The book Of Boys Men And Mountains is an autobiographical account of life in the Rhondda valley through a coal miner’s son. According to the author Roy Tomkinson: “Too many books have been written about how rough the Rhondda was with row upon row of non descript houses, and how the miners must accept pit closures and face the inevitable. It wasn’t about pit closure it was about community. This book describes how it really was. They were fighting for the very community in which they lived. That is what the book is about – the spirit and community that was a part of the Rhondda Valley before pit closures.”
The book concentrates on the warmth of the community, and according to the author: “There was a lot of hardship, but over all it was a good life for all the degradation and hard work, the warmth and companionship I found in the people more than made up for all the hardship. It was a close community – my mother could tell you who lived where in every street down as far as Treorchy over a mile away. I wonder how many people know that today. These are my people and I am proud to share them with you.”
150 pages, paperback, size 210mm x 146, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-856-X, published price £5.95, Wales United members price £5.35 plus postage and packaging £1.75 in the UK or £2.75 in Europe or £3.90 rest of the world.
Buying a property can be a nightmare for anyone, but buying abroad can bring up all sorts of extra problems, and a new book has been published about the experiences of a woman buying a property in Greece – on her own. >BR> Escaping a failed marriage, Eva Goldsworthy decided to take herself to the warmer climes of Greece to live, and took the plunge by buying a plot of land and a house for herself.
The book called A Flat-pack in Greece is autobiographical and shows all the emotional ups and downs of the experience – including dealing with estate agents, learning the language, the heat, and the constant problem of getting things done. But the book also reflects on a short romance with a local man...
But Eva soon realised that the dream was just that – a dream. It didn’t take long before she’d have to sell up and return home.
But how did everything go wrong? The author concedes that it was probably after the first cold snap: “ …and then I considered how dared I have assumed that I could foist myself on a different culture, in a different land. Brief though the fateful soiree had been, it was the culmination of a series of disasters... I now had to face reality - and face that the dream was over.”
And even worse was to follow when she returned home according to the author: “Even though I lost money on the house, the inland revenue sent me a Christmas present: a bill for £450.”
A Greek Flat-pack also includes a section of do’s and don’ts for buying a house in Greece. The author now lives in Llanfyllin in Mid Wales.
158 pages, paperback, size 120mm x 185mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-863-2, published price £5.95, Wales United members price £5.35 plus postage and packaging £1.55 in the UK or £2.50 in Europe or £3.85 rest of the world.
This book has alreday been hailed as “the finest collection of quotes relating to Wales ever published”. It is an anthology of truisms, observations, and quips about Wales. Quotes by almost every Welsh celebrity imaginable from Tom Jones, Barry John and Richard Burton to Charlotte Church and Carol Vorderman are included. From Dylan Thomas “Someone’s boring me, and I think it’s me” to Catherine Zeta Jones “When I was born my mother said I looked like a frog” and Glyn Roberts “A Welshman doesn’t need a reason to drink. All he needs is a drink”, the book includes all kinds of humorous and subtle quotes for every occasion.
The book has been chaptered alphabetically according to themes that vary from Identity, Language and Chapels to Insults, Delusions and Hollywood. Memorise some of these and you'll be welcomed at most dinner parties or pub evenings.
176 pages, Black and white photos, paperback, size 210mm x 150mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-611-7, published price £0.95, Wales United members price £7.25 plus postage and packaging £1.75 in the UK or £2.65 in Europe or £4.00 rest of the world.
Mike Parker is a prolific author and broadcaster. A former stand-up comedian, he has written numerous travel books.
From the Act of Union to Anne Robinson, "Neighbours from Hell?" looks at English attitudes to the Welsh. Stereotypes explored include the Welsh character (shifty, oversexed or verbose); the Welsh language (dead, ugly or secret code for extremists), and the landscape. Mike Parker examines treacherous policy decisions sacrificing communities to reservoirs, forestry and military ranges. And he warns of future loss through blinkered tourist and property marketing. This is fine and funny polemic with a purpose, by the author of "The Rough Guide to Wales".
This book has been recommended as “Required reading for the English, and more importantly for the Welsh.”
To compliment a recent television series a book of BBC Wales Weatherman Derek Brockway’s favourite walks has been published. Weatherman Walking is a guide to twelve accessible walks in all parts of Wales, grouped around the seasons. As well as Derek’s personal reflections of each walk the book includes directions and insight into the heritage, social history, wildlife and topography of the different areas.
Series producer and co-author of the book, Julian Carey hopes the book will encourage more people to take up walking. He said, “Wherever you find yourself in Wales, you’re close to a great walk. Weatherman walking is designed to make walking more attractive and get people putting their boots on and getting the benefit of this beautiful country.”
The book includes walks in recognised beauty spots such as Snowdonia, Pembrokeshire and the Cambrian mountains are included as well as places off the beaten path. The full-colour-book is lavishly illustrated with photos, maps and clear instructions.
Hailing from Barry, Derek Brockway is a hugely popular television personality. Still employed by the Met Office, he has been the main weather presenter for Wales Today since 1997.
190 pages, Colour and black & white photos, paperback, size 210mm x 145mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-924-8, published price £9.95, Wales United members price £8.95 plus postage and packaging £2.50 in the UK or £3.45 in Europe or £5.00 rest of the world.
The ex- Scarlets, Wales and Lions hooker's new autobiography ‘Y Cymro Cryfa’ (Wales’ Strongest Man) reveals for the first time how he has adopted many of the All Black’s techniques as a part of his coaching of the Welsh rugby team.
He also discloses in his autobiography that it was he who unwittingly introduced the ‘red zone’ term to Welsh rugby, following his return from workin with New Zealand, where the ‘red zone’ was used by the coaching staff. Soon enough, the Welsh press seized upon the saying and following the departure of Mike Ruddock, the WRU’s tour of the rugby districts was soon dubbed the ‘Red Zone Roadshow’.
The book has a foreword by rugby legend Ray Gravell and this autobiography follows Robin, who remains one of the few North Walians to break into first class rugby, from his early days at Swansea and Llanelli, to his role in the 2005 Grand Slam-winning team and as part of the prestigious Lions team in 2001.
Part of the pack of broken nosed, cauliflower-eared forwards, McBryde, with his intimidating physique, enough to frighten any opposing scrum member, was also once Wales’ strongest man. He is also a hero to thousands and an extremely proud Welshman and an honorary member of the Eisteddfod’s Orsedd.
Born in Bangor and raised in Porthaethwy, Y Cymro Cryfa follows Robin as a keen rugby player in North Wales before moving down south and joining Swansea. He then made the move to Llanelli, the team that has always stayed in his heart. At Llanelli he captained the West Walians to victory in the Welsh Cup Final of 1998 and the Welsh Championship title in 1999. Robin went on to enjoy a successful international career gaining 37 caps for Wales.
PLEASE NOTE that this book is published in Welsh.
78 pages, Black and white photos, paperback, size 180mm x 120mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-909-4, published price £4.95, Wales United members price £4.45 plus postage and packaging £1.75 in the UK or £2.65 in Europe or £4.00 rest of the world.
Cardiff Soul is an Underground Guide to the City. A native Cardiffian, author Colin Palfrey has written this quirky guide to the city that ranges into unexpected areas absent from official guide books. He goes in a search for the city’s “soul”, as well as covering areas you’d expect, such as architecture, hotels, pubs and clubs.
Hayes toilets and the Castle Arcade kilt shop merit their own entry, while readers, whether gay, curious or just plain old voyeuristic, will gain a special insight into the Mardi Gras festival. The photos in this section feature some pretty outrageous and semi-naked festival participants of both sexes!
The most enjoyable part of his research, according to Colin, was interviews with ordinary people on the streets of the city, including buskers, market traders and other characters as diverse as Mr Crier the Town Crier; Max the Breton Sioni Winwns, and Trevor the Crooner.
The character that made most impression on him is Ninjah the Rastafarian; he is featured on the book’s striking cover happily drumming a city centre steel litter bin. A musician who has made CDs and break-danced in America, Ninjah specialises in getting music out of street furniture, since his mission in life is “giving people good vibrations”. He also has unusual opinions on constipation; and if you have such problems, page to the Guide’s toilet section for quick relief.
Colin believes such extroverts are the soul of a city, and says,
“People like Ninjah add colour and music to a city streetscape; they spice up our everyday lives. It is only by walking around on foot that our lives slow down and we get to see and meet such characters. Because so much of Cardiff is pedestrianised it makes the place more on a human-scale.”
Colin lives in Gwaelod-y-Garth, was born in the city and spent most of his life there. His other titles include poetry and two humorous titles, The Unofficial Guide to Wales and The Scottish Trip.
62 pages, paperback, size 210mm x 180mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-864-0, published price £5.95, Wales United members price £5.35 plus postage and packaging £1.75 in the UK or £2.65 in Europe or £4.00 rest of the world.
Written over a number of years, these poems reflect the poet's interests in literature and the arts, history and the natural world. The title poem, an offbeat elegy for his father (who is pictured on the cover of the book) sounds the keynote of irrecoverable time and loss.
His writing commemorates, among others, the poet Keats, dying in Rome, Baskerville, the great typographer, resurrected briefly in an earlier phase of Birmingham’s urban expansion, Prince Louis Napoleon, last of the Bonaparte line, killed by the Zulus, Edward Lear, the artist and humorist, and the boxer Dick Richardson.
Alongside these sober reflections on mortality, there are moments of celebration, wryly humorous glances at life, traveller’s tales, and recollections of childhood in Gilfach Goch, the poet’s birthplace, in wartime, and student days in Aberystwyth.
Sam Adams is a former editor of Poetry Wales, and a former chairman of the English-language section of Yr Academi Gymreig. He edited the Collected Poems and the Collected Stories of Roland Mathias, is the author of three monographs in the Writers of Wales series and is a frequent contributor of poems, criticism and essays to a number of magazines. His ‘Letter from Wales’ column appears regularly in PN Review (Carcanet).
240 pages, colour, paperback, size 215mm x 140mm, published by Seren Books, ISBN 1-85411-407-7, published price £9.99, Wales United members price £8.99 plus postage and packaging £2.50 in the UK or £3.45 in Europe or £5.00 rest of the world.
Centuries before the NHS and modern medicine, people would turn to the ordinary flowers of the Welsh fields and woods for help: to protect them from ‘evil or vile things’; to cure migraines; even to find a lover.
In fact, as Jocelyne Lawton reveals in her new book Flowers & Fables, many of the roadside weeds you pass on your way to the doctor’s could once have been just what the herbalist ordered.
Suffering with a headache? You could try sniffing the juice of the wood anemone. Troubled by cramps, nightmares or nerve pain – what you need is cowslip. Then, of course, there’s always the dog rose to “expel worms from the belly”.
The Welsh in particular, says Lawton, had a herbal tea for almost every condition, and the teachings of the renowned thirteen-century Physicians of Myddfai from Carmarthenshire to lead the way.
All of the 95 entries in the book are beautifully illustrated with a full page colour photograph taken by the author. English, Welsh and scientific names for each plant make identification easy, opening up a wealth of country lore and knowledge to the non expert.
The book explores the colourful myths and folklore behind the names and superstitions attached to many of our wild flowers. Many of those ancient remedies, such as the use of eyebright as a cure for eye problems, or poppy petals for asthma and catarrh, are still used by herbalists today. And modern science has proved the case for some of our flowers, such as digitalis from the foxglove, to treat heart disorders and muscular dystrophy.
Such a wealth of information, combined with close-up photographs and botanical descriptions make the book an invaluable guide and companion on a country walk, as well as something to enjoy from the comfort of the armchair.
244 pages, no, paperback, size 215mm x 138mm, published by Seren Books, ISBN 1-85411-448-4, published price £8.99, Wales United members price £8.10 plus postage and packaging £1.75 in the UK or £2.65 in Europe or £4.00 rest of the world.
First published in 1996, this new version reflects the changes, for better and worse, to the communities and landscape of the area over the last ten years, with the demolition, development and regeneration that has changed the face of Swansea.
Swansea and its surroundings have a rich literary pedigree that spans many centuries, with both native and visiting writers finding inspiration here. The collection adds twenty new authors, collecting their thoughts on the inspirational force of the 'ugly-lovely town' and picturesque Gower.
This generous selection features the work of a broad spectrum of writers from both established and revered authors such as Dylan Thomas, Vernon Watkins, Harri Webb and Dannie Abse, with contemporary writings from Robert Minhinnick, Kathryn Gray, Tony Curtis and Jo Mazelis amongst others. There is a range of writing in the anthology, including three Swansea novelists, short stories, non-fiction and poetry.
Fond memories, tales of life in ‘the metropolis of South Wales’ (Edward Thomas) and recollections from visitors and residents make this essential reading for anyone who has lived in or visited the area. Swansea Bay, Sketty, Brynmill, the Haford, St Thomas and Oystermouth are amongst the districts featured in the book, as well as the rural beauty of the Gower peninsula.
170 pages, black and white, paperback, size 210mm x 135mm, published by Seren Books, ISBN 978-1-85411-432-7, published price £9.99, Wales United members price £8.99 plus postage and packaging £1.55 in the UK or £2.50 in Europe or £3.85 rest of the world.
The latest edition to the ‘Real’ series, this offbeat tour guides you around Britain’s youngest city as you’ve never seen it before, writing with fondness and humour
So is Newport just another Victorian port or an Elizabethan maritime centre? A featureless South Wales town or a growing city on the verge of massive and original redevelopment? The “new Seattle” or a haven for single mothers working the system?
Real Newport explores the city that Drysdale loves, examining its people and places, leaving no stone unturned. She writes about the Riverfront as; “being cobbled together out of Formica tabletops commandeered from a giant greasy-spoon, or prefabricated in uPVC from which the protective film had yet to be peeled”. Of St Woolos she writes of its “ecclesiastical excellence”, and calls the old market hall “one of the loveliest buildings in Newport”.
The people she writes about include a man called Ray who rides the Transporter Bridge daily with “proprietorial” affection, a colleague at the South Wales Argus who always wore a three-piece suit and looked like a “well-groomed marmoset”, and the eloquent musings of Newport’s most famous rap group Goldie Lookin Chain.
This witty, incisive, personal journey around the “knowable, lovable, generous” city of Newport is a must have for visitors and residents alike.
352 pages, black and white, hardback, size 220mm x 145mm, published by Seren Books, ISBN 978-1-85411-395-5, published price £14.99, Wales United members price £13.50 plus postage and packaging £2.50 in the UK or £3.45 in Europe or £5.00 rest of the world.
Having left the industrial town of Pontypridd for a new life in America, the young Frederick Hall Thomas reinvented himself as ‘Freddie Welsh’: pugilist, writer, vegetarian, philosopher, American, Welshman.
When he began his boxing career in Philadelphia, a fight crowd was typically rowdy blue-collar workers in the gallery with the politicians, gangsters, businessmen and ‘blue bloods’ at ringside. Freddie played a major role in making the sport respectable and the big fights became a place for the middle-classes to be seen.
His was an outstanding record and, with his sharp business sense and regular earning, Welsh was one of the first boxers to turn drama in the ring into cash outside it. He made his home in New York where he became a celebrity, mixing with actors, playwrights and gangsters.
The paradoxes in his life were enormous: he appears in The Great Gatsby and in the writing of Ring Lardner; he took on the aristocrat-led boxing establishment in Britain; at the same time he endured and succeeded in the brutal world that was boxing at that time. It was a way of life that was difficult even for wealthy men to sustain, and as Freddie’s ring career faded away, so did his money through bad investments and bad company.
He hunted down the champions of the day and relieved them of their titles, his career culminating with the World Championship in front of thousands of Welshmen at the Olympia Theatre in London. Little could these men have imagined that the next time the vast majority of them would leave Wales would be for the trenches of the Somme, Mametz and Ypres.
The Prizefighter may be the focal point, but this is a vast canvas, encompassing the twilight years of the Industrial Revolution in Britain, Europe’s slow descent into war and the dawn of the Jazz Age in the United States. Freddie’s life was a series of adventures in which every step forward was accompanied by a crushing blow. But this is a story of how one man dealt with outrageous fortune and what enabled him to prevail where others failed.
169 pages, Black and white, and colour, paperback, size 215mm x 135mm, published by Seren, ISBN 978-1-85411-421-1, published price £9.99, Wales United members price £8.99 plus postage and packaging £2.50 in the UK or £3.45 in Europe or £5.00 rest of the world.
Much has been written about Snowdonia, or Eryri, but Robert Jones' book is one of very few devoted to Snowdon itself. In a series of lucid chapters Jones explores the history of the mountain from its geological origins to the present. Although it is now best known as a National Park and a destination for climbers, walkers and admirers of dramatic scenery the mountain still supports a number of farms, and agriculture and the environment are among Jones' subjects.
He also addresses leisure use, outlining the story of the Snowdon Mountain Railway, and over a century of exploitation of the summit. And reaching the summit on foot is also well covered with ten paths expertly described and maps provided. With chapters on the former industries of the mountain, and the flora and fauna this is the definitive book for walkers, climbers, tourists and armchair travellers.
Beautifully illustrated by the author's own photographs, packed with information, this is a book which should be in the rucksack of everyone venturing onto Snowdon.
168 pages, Black & White, paperback, size 153mm x 163mm, published by Y Lolfa, ISBN 0-86243-968-X, published price £7.95, Wales United members price £7.05 plus postage and packaging £2.00 in the UK or £3.00 in Europe or £4.00 rest of the world.
According to an ex-learner who now speaks Welsh fluently, there is no reason why people can’t learn to speak Welsh within twelve months. To prove her point, she did exactly that, although she was working and studying history at the time.
Jen Llywelyn chronicled her experience in a book called Welsh in a Year! – A book that she hopes will help and encourage other learners. She said “Whatever other people say, it’s not impossible to lean the language in a year – it’s hard work obviously, but if people pull themselves out of the comfort zone it is totally possible.”
She added,“One of the main difficulties to promote learners these days is that too many Welsh speakers and non-Welsh speakers say it is a too ‘difficult’ language to learn – but it’s not that difficult, and with effort and perseverance it is possible to learn and use the language in a short period.”
According to television presenter Nia Parry, who has written a foreword to the book, Welsh in a Year is a useful reference book that is full of handy tips to learners. “Whether you’re thinking about learning Welsh, or are already on the journey, this is a book everyone should read: a book every Welsh learner will empathise with, but also a book every first-language Welsh speaker should read as a step towards understanding how important it is that they are supportive to, and patient with learners.”
Jen Llywelyn moved to Wales when she was 48 and managed to contribute fully to the Welsh community after moving and learning the language. She lives in Ystumtuen, Ceredigion and is a candidate for Learner of the Year this year. She has already been to Nant Gwrtheyrn to talk about her experience with the language and the book, and she hopes to do a lot more to help other learners in the future.