Product Description

New edition of a history of Wales. Includes a Postscript written in the context of the millennium as a fixed point in the development of welsh identity. Emyr Humphreys shows how literature in walcs has reshaped and reasserted Welsh identity in the face of English cultural imperialism. Figures such as Talicsin (a sixth century poet), Myrddin (Merlin), the bards of medieval princes, Dr John Dee, Iolo Morganwg, Mabon, Lloyd George, Saunders Lewis have all redefined the image of Wales in their own historical periods. wales has been, in turn, a bastion of British Christianity, the basis of Tudor imperialism, a haven for Romantics, a leader of Liberalism and Socialism, and the inspiration for twentieth century Welsh nationalism. Tracing the links in this chain Humphreys identifies a situation increasingly common in Europe and elsewhere: the preservation of a national past in the context of an international future. His book reflects the vital relationship between literature and identity, between poetry and politics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1303277 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-24
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 248 pages

Review
"A classic book on national identity" - Bernard Crick "It could hardly be done with more dignity and integrity... so rich in ideas" - Jan Morris "A fascinating, often revelatory study which should be read by anyone claiming the least degree of Welshness, but which sheds unexpected light for the student of English history, too." - TES"

About the Author
Emyr Humphreys is the author of twenty novels, a volume of stories and several collections of poetry. He has been a radio and television director but is now a freelance writer.