Michael O'Brien's Autobiography

Michael O' Brien's new autobiography will be released on the 1st of September. It is a modern day tale of David and Goliath; of one man's quest to clear his name taking his fight to the highest courts in the land and creating legal history.

In his own words Michael O'Brien tells his moving story of how he was imprisoned for a crime he didn't commit – the Cardiff Newsagent Murder during the 1980s. The book reveals the trauma and heartache he suffered whilst in prison and how he learnt to cope. During the eleven years he not only lost his freedom and youth but also members of his family including the tragic death of his daughter and step-father.

Death of Justice uncovers the shocking story of how police incompetence and scapegoating result in three innocent men being convicted and the catalogue of mistreatment during their time in prison. It is also details how Michael O'Brien taught himself law and successfully took two Home Secretaries Michael Howard and Jack Straw to court, how he won his appeal and eventual release and the largest payout in legal history.

Michael O'Brien lives in Cardiff with his partner and family and continues to support people who face similar legal battles. An exclusive programme of Wales this Week on Michael O Brien’s story is due to be broadcast on Monday night the 1^st of September at 8pm.

Death of Justice (£9.95), Michael O’Brien is available here

Michael O’Brien will be signing copies of his new autobiography The Death of Justice in Borders bookshop Cardiff at 12pm on Monday the 1^st of September

If you would like to request a copy of Y Lolfa’s new catalogue e-mail llyfrau@ylolfa.com.

Welsh Australians - New South Welsh

Ethne Jeffrey’s book Welsh Australians may surprise readers by revealing the amount of influence that the Welsh have had on Australia. Since the beginning of white settlement two centuries ago, Welsh emigrants have played an integral role in the country’s social, political and artistic development.

Despite their impact, author Ethne Jeffreys states that, “Little has been published about the contribution of Welsh people to Australian society. Now we are given a glimpse of some of them, from Francis Wilkinson on Captain James Cook’s voyage of discovery, to Billy Hughes, the world’s first Welsh-speaking prime minister. Today, Welsh descendents such as Rolf Harris and Kylie Minogue are household names.”



This well-researched and entertaining book includes short biographical sketches of some of the most influential of these intrepid Welshmen and women and their descendents. For example, there is the story of David Jones’ department stores which are a favourite in Australia, but not so well-known is the fact that the founder of this billion-dollar retail empire was born to illiterate parents in a hamlet 12,000 miles away. Others, though they have not found fortune or fame, have contributed in an individual way to the development of the continent, such as Joseph Jenkins, the Welsh swagman, or Rachael Ann Webb. The author “hopes that these sketches will motivate readers to search out the stories of Welsh Australians for themselves.”



The book is a personal tribute by Ethne Jeffreys, who lived Down Under for nearly thirty years and visited every State. She was born and bred in Dunvant, Swansea, migrated to Australia in 1951 under the ‘£10 Pom scheme’ and later qualified as a teacher of English and commercial subjects. The author dedicates the book both to Wales and to Australia, her “finishing school.”



Welsh Australians is available for £5.95 in bookshops throughout Wales and on www.ylolfa.com.

Ty Gwaith Crefft yn Remsen - "The House of Craftsmanship in Remsen"

Ambitious plans are afoot in to develop a mixed use neighborhood in upstate New York which "will interpret the history of Remsen and the legacy of Welsh immigration to the village and the area."

Amongst other features ( see "Conceptual Plan" HERE ) it is intended that a genealogy, folklore and historical Interpretation Center will be established that will work in partnership with the Museum of Welsh Life in St. Fagan's, Wales.

For more on these exciting plans click HERE.